CHAPTER 154

"Stop here."

The black sedan came to a halt at the entrance of the residential area. A hunched elderly person supported themselves on the edge of the car door and got out. Under the watchful eyes of the security guard, they swiped the access card and walked inside. The residential area was vast, and it took several minutes to drive from the entrance to the doorstep, especially for Ji Shulan, whose legs were impaired compared to an average person.

Ji Shulan lowered her head and silently walked towards her home. When she reached a spot about two hundred meters away from her front door, she stopped and turned, stepping into a small pavilion.

The evening gradually grew dim.

Lights illuminated the Qin residence. Ji Shulan looked at it from a distance, clutching the fabric on her knees, alternating between relaxation and tension.

Her phone in her pocket began to ring.

Ji Shulan embraced a faint glimmer of hope, but the light in her eyes dimmed when she saw the caller ID. She rallied her spirits and answered, "Aunt Fang."

Aunt Fang asked on the other end, "It's time for dinner. Why haven't you come back yet?"

Ji Shulan fell silent for a moment and said, "You don't need to worry about me."

Aunt Fang scolded her, "Who said I don't need to worry? Where are you? You should at least tell me. You're not a child anymore. How can you throw a tantrum like this?"

The relationship between Aunt Fang and Ji Shulan was somewhat complicated. One was divorced, the other a widow, both entering their old age. Although they were officially the employer and the housekeeper, they took care of each other and provided companionship. This was especially true since Qin Yinong was often away from home, and Ningning went to school during the day. The two elderly individuals spent a lot of time together, fostering a certain affection that was different from before.

It might not be purely romantic love. There are many types of relationships in the world, and the connections between women can be even more delicate and difficult to articulate.

Aunt Fang was a simple and hardworking woman. She dropped out of school in the third grade and couldn't read many words. When Ji Shulan had free time at home, she would teach Aunt Fang how to read, study, arrange flowers, and make tea. Despite Aunt Fang being clumsy, she would earnestly learn from Ji Shulan. The image of her hunched over a table, pen in hand, writing was quite adorable in Ji Shulan's eyes, similar to Ningning.

Ji Shulan found some value in Aunt Fang, a bit of the worth she needed. As a result, she invested more and more of her energy into their relationship, gradually reaching a point where she would feel anxious if she couldn't see Aunt Fang. Only when Aunt Fang was by her side did she feel at ease.

As for Aunt Fang, she had been a widow for many years, and her only daughter had long since married and established her own family. She lived alone, and Qin Yinong invited her to be the housekeeper, providing her with companionship and a lovely granddaughter who called her "Grandma." In her twilight years, she desired a companion more than the passionate emotional needs of young people. Aunt Fang enjoyed staying in the Qin household and even felt more freedom there than when visiting her daughter's home.

She discovered that she shared similar interests with her neighbor, who was once like her. She had the knowledge of many words, had read many books, and could speak eloquently.

One day, while Ningning was at school, Ji Shulan sat on a swing chair in the small garden, reading "Gone with the Wind." Aunt Fang finished trimming the flowers and brought a small table and stool over. Holding the pencil Ji Shulan had sharpened for her, she practiced her handwriting on grid paper while Ji Shulan recounted many old stories. She talked about how she had been blinded by her passionate ideals, disregarding her parents' objections and eloping with Qin Hongjian, giving up her identity as a wealthy young lady and severing ties with her family.

Aunt Fang listened with wide eyes, and afterwards, true to her strong personality, she scolded Ji Shulan, berating her for being foolish, for being weak... Ji Shulan laughed as she listened, feeling incredibly light-hearted.

After Aunt Fang finished scolding her, she continued to focus on her writing and said, "That's all in the past. What else can you do but move forward?"

A gentle breeze rustled by.

"Tingfang."

Aunt Fang, Su Tingfang, looked up and asked, "What's the matter?"

Ji Shulan said, "Do you still plan on finding a companion?"

Aunt Fang stared at her with a straightforward "Are you crazy?" look and said, "Are you planning to find a stepfather for Dudu?"

Ji Shulan laughed, her laughter clear and melodious. With a tap of her toes on the ground, the swing swung backward, and the pages of "Gone with the Wind" resting on her knees fluttered, faintly revealing the image of the naive and carefree young miss from that year, who knew nothing of the ways of the world.

Aunt Fang's hand holding the pen paused for a long time. She felt an indescribable feeling in her heart and suddenly thought that Ji Shulan was beautiful. Her silver-white hair was beautiful, and even her aging wrinkles were beautiful.

She imagined Ji Shulan speaking eloquently and reciting lines of poetry, but as the words rushed to her lips, all that remained was, "Be careful... not to fall."

Ji Shulan paused for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Aunt Fang walked over in silence, holding onto the swing behind her and giving it a push, steady and secure.

Ji Shulan turned to look at her.

"Tingfang, if you don't plan on finding a companion either, the two of us..." She placed the back of her hand on Aunt Fang's hand, her eyes filled with an unusually soft and gentle radiance.

Two no longer young hands intertwined together.

Aunt Fang inexplicably felt a sense of panic and disorder in her heart. She looked down at the ground, pushing the swing gently forward again.

"What is the book you're reading about?" she awkwardly changed the subject.

......

Aunt Fang asked, "Where are you? Speak up."

Ji Shulan withdrew from her memories and said, "I can't face going back. You really don't have to bother with me anymore."

"Fine," Aunt Fang said calmly. "Then I'll call the police. I'll put up missing person notices, saying that you, an elderly senile person, got lost. Height 162 centimeters, weight 80 kilograms, last seen wearing..."

Ji Shulan: "..."

Aunt Fang continued, "Do you think I wanted to ask you? It's all because Ningning woke up from her nap and started looking for her grandmother. She even washed a plate of fruit herself, saying she'll wait for her grandmother to come back and eat together. She won't even give it to her mother, acting like it's some precious treasure."

As soon as Ningning was mentioned, Ji Shulan's heart clenched, but she held back and said, "Tell her... tell her that Grandma went on a long journey."

"How long of a journey are you planning? Never coming back in this lifetime? Or are you planning to go find Qin Hongjian again?" Aunt Fang's voice suddenly filled with anger at the last sentence.

"I don't plan on finding Qin Hongjian!" After Qin Hongjian saw Ningning that time, Ji Shulan never answered his calls again. Who knew things would turn out like this?

"What's that got to do with me? Why are you yelling at me?"

"I'm in the neighborhood."

"What did you say?"

Ji Shulan closed her eyes and said, "The first pavilion we passed by during our morning walk, I'm here."

"You're something else," Aunt Fang said, then hung up the phone.

Ji Shulan took off her shoes, placed both feet on the stool, and hugged her knees tightly. She knew Aunt Fang would definitely come.

Sure enough, a few minutes after hanging up, a figure broke through the twilight and hurriedly approached. Ji Shulan's heart felt as if it was enveloped by a warm hand, growing warm.

But there was another figure following Aunt Fang.

Tall figure, wearing a mask, just by looking at the body shape, one could tell it was a young woman.

In theory, Tang Ruoyao's gaze should be better than Aunt Fang's, but Aunt Fang pointed in a direction and said, "She's over there." Tang Ruoyao stared for a long time before finally making out Ji Shulan, who almost blended into the darkness under the pavilion.

Ji Shulan recognized Tang Ruoyao, who was walking beside Aunt Fang, and quickly put on her shoes, stood up, and stood straight with a shy demeanor.

"Miss Tang."

"Auntie, just call me Xiaotang," Tang Ruoyao looked at Aunt Fang, who was helping Ji Shulan put on her coat, sizing her up and down, feeling a hint of strangeness in her heart.

"Xiaotang," Ji Shulan's eyes flashed with a touch of sadness.

"Ningning has been asking about you all afternoon. Hurry back home." Tang Ruoyao said.

Ji Shulan remained still, feeling anxious. She said, "Dudu... I mean Qin Yinong, how is she doing?"

Tang Ruoyao raised an eyebrow lightly, thinking to herself, 'Dudu?'

She replied, "She's doing well." After a pause, Tang Ruoyao continued, "Auntie, to be honest with you, Qin Yinong doesn't really want to see you right now. She's about to leave soon, so I hope you don't show any unusual behavior in front of Ningning, and don't rush to apologize to her or anything."

Ji Shulan nodded understandingly and said softly, "It's already good enough that she's willing to let me into the house. By the way," her eyes brightened, "I went to ask my brother, and he promised to help her. Everything will be fine."

Who is her brother? Tang Ruoyao's mind was filled with various questions, but it was clear that the current situation and timing weren't appropriate for asking. She politely said, "Thank you for your efforts."

Aunt Fang spoke up at the right moment, "Let's go back now. The food in the kitchen isn't finished yet."

Ji Shulan replied, "Okay."

Ji Shulan had difficulty walking and it took her quite some time to make her way back. Tang Ruoyao was afraid that the streetlights wouldn't provide enough illumination, so she stayed a step ahead, kicking away small stones on the road considerately.

Her steps were small, matching Ji Shulan's rhythm, occasionally looking back to see if she was keeping up. She gave a solid and reliable feeling.

Ji Shulan watched her figure and felt relieved. She lowered her gaze for a moment, concealing the fleeting bitterness.

Qin Yinong had already changed her clothes.

As Ji Shulan entered, Qin Yinong was about to leave. They didn't make eye contact, passing each other without a word. Qin Yinong quickly reached the entrance after a few steps.

Ningning came over and sweetly called out, "Grandma~"

Ji Shulan crouched down to speak with her.

Tang Ruoyao had her back turned towards them, facing Qin Yinong, blocking her line of sight. She gently tugged at the collar of Qin Yinong's clothes and asked in a low voice that only the two of them could hear, "What time will you come back?"

"Nine or ten o'clock, maybe?" Qin Yinong replied. Usually, by this time, Ji Shulan would already be asleep, avoiding the awkwardness of looking up and down.

"Back to our previous home?"

The word "home" still felt unfamiliar, especially when preceded by the modifier "our," but Tang Ruoyao said it naturally, as if it wasn't the first time.

A hint of a smile appeared at the corner of Qin Yinong's eyes.

She said, "Yes."

Tang Ruoyao became a bit spoiled and said, "Miss me."

Qin Yinong obediently said, "Mmm."

Tang Ruoyao said, "You still have to message me and tell me what you're doing. You can't ignore me all night."

Qin Yinong nodded with a smile, prolonging her response, "Mmm."

Tang Ruoyao, who had been affected by the previous long and repetitive chase, was afraid that she would push her away again someday. Qin Yinong thought that she might not know that she couldn't be without her anymore, that even a minute or a second, no, she began to miss her as soon as she stood here.

Tang Ruoyao had nothing more to explain. Suddenly, she remembered something and softly exclaimed, "Ah," blinking her eyes as she asked, "Dudu is your nickname?"

Qin Yinong: "..."

Tang Ruoyao chuckled for a while and started singing a song that had become popular on the internet at some point: "You say, mouth goes 'Dudu,' 'Dudu Dudu Dudu,' 'Dudu' once, and you'll come..."

Veins popped up on Qin Yinong's forehead. Tang Ruoyao's will to survive was strong, so she quickly retracted her neck.

Qin Yinong clenched her teeth and reached out to pinch her ear.

It didn't hurt, but instead had a somewhat intimate tickling sensation. Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Qin Yinong's gaze became increasingly dangerous.

Tang Ruoyao stopped teasing, cleared her throat, and said, "Quite cute."

Qin Yinong said, "You're not allowed to call me that."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Why?"

Qin Yinong's ears and face turned hot, and she said in a low voice, "I don't like it."

Tang Ruoyao said seriously, "Okay, Dudu." But her gaze was somewhat narrowed.

Qin Yinong: "..."

If Tang Ruoyao continued teasing, Qin Yinong felt like she would kiss her, so she stopped and turned around, calling out, "Ningning, Mom is about to leave. Do you want to come and talk to Mom for a bit?"

Ningning's hostility towards Tang Ruoyao was positively correlated with Qin Yinong's closeness to Tang Ruoyao and the amount of time they spent together. In the afternoon, while Tang Ruoyao was talking to her manager Mu Qingwu about her work, Qin Yinong had been with Ningning all along.

Tang Ruoyao planned to take a month-long vacation and asked Mu Qingwu to free up her schedule.

There was a lot of buzz online, and Mu Qingwu knew that Qin Yinong was in big trouble. While expressing her understanding, she also said, "Some of the commitments can't be postponed, and you still have to attend them."

Furthermore, she handed over the script. Tang Ruoyao couldn't completely stop working either, so she spent some time reading the script in the afternoon. Although the two of them didn't have much time together, whenever Tang Ruoyao looked up, she could see the mother and daughter happily interacting, which made her feel satisfied and happy. There was also a hint of unfamiliar... maternal love?

Her heart was filled with warmth, and she thoroughly enjoyed these tender moments.

Later in the evening, Qin Yinong secretly told Tang Ruoyao, "Do you know? Ningning suddenly asked me to come and keep you company for a while."

Tang Ruoyao asked in surprise, "Why?"

Qin Yinong smiled for a moment before saying, "She said you looked pitiful all by yourself and that I, as your girlfriend, shouldn't neglect you like this."

Tang Ruoyao had a sudden idea and quickly typed it into her paper titled "The Dilemmas and Solutions in the Development of Complex Parent-Child Relationships." After considering it, she opened a new document, squinted her eyes, and typed: "Psychological Analysis of Highly Intelligent Pre-School Children."

Through the gradual improvement of her paper, Tang Ruoyao gradually regained her confidence in the transition and her relationship with Ningning. The process of pursuing Qin Yinong was like the arduous journey to the West, with its ninety-nine and eighty-one difficulties. If she could handle Ningning's mother, a mere child under the age of four would be an easy catch sooner or later.

Qin Jianing was a kind and easily softened child, largely influenced by Qin Yinong. Although it was somewhat shameful to take advantage of a child's kindness, Tang Ruoyao shamelessly chose this angle of approach.

Originally, Qin Yinong planned to stay at home with Tang Ruoyao for a few days before implementing Tang Ruoyao's plan to let her go out. However, due to a twist of fate, the plan was accelerated.

"Mom, come back soon." As Ningning bid farewell to Qin Yinong at the door, she turned to look at Tang Ruoyao, her sparkling eyes filled with confusion. "Auntie Tang isn't going out with Mom?"

Tang Ruoyao put on her acting skills as a famous actress, shook her head, and in her eyes towards Qin Yinong, there was a trace of grievance and reluctance.

Ningning exclaimed in surprise, "Ah," lowered her head, and seemed lost in thought.

Qin Yinong cooperated with Tang Ruoyao's performance and said, "Mom has to go out to work, so why would she bring Auntie Tang along?"

Ningning bit her rosy lower lip and said, "But..."

Qin Yinong crouched down and patiently guided her, "But what?"

Ningning leaned close to Qin Yinong's ear and whispered, defending Tang Ruoyao, "You haven't spent the whole afternoon with Auntie Tang, and now you're leaving in the evening."

Qin Yinong almost burst out laughing. She held the little girl's shoulders with both hands and said, "But if I'll keep Auntie Tang company, weren't you unhappy about that?" Otherwise, she wouldn't have clung to her all afternoon.

"I'm not unhappy about it." Ningning immediately said.

"Okay, Ningning was not unhappy about it." Qin Yinong echoed with a smile.

Ningning pursed her lips, as if making a big decision, and sweetly negotiated with her, "You can accompany her, but you can't spend more time with her than me. At most, the same amount, okay?"

Qin Yinong made a serious face and said, "That won't work. I want to spend all my time with Ningning."

Ningning's little face drooped, and her eyes toward Tang Ruoyao were filled with guilt.

The two adults had successfully fooled the little girl.

Tang Ruoyao and Ningning accompanied Qin Yinong to the doorstep.

As they got in the car, Guan Han glanced back at the entrance. The soft white light illuminated the corridor as Tang Ruoyao and Ningning stood together, watching them. At first glance, they looked like a mother and daughter.

Tang Ruoyao held Ningning's hand, and Ningning didn't refuse.

If she remembered correctly, this should be the first time Tang Ruoyao held a little girl's hand.

Guan Han: "..."

'Miss Yao, you never cease to amaze me.'

She then looked at Qin Yinong, who sat calmly in the backseat, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her lips.

Unexpectedly, Qin Yinong, with her prominent eyebrows and large eyes, had also joined the revolution and teamed up with Tang Ruoyao to play with the child!

Guan Han suddenly felt a sense of familiarity with her own thought process. She thought for a moment and realized it was something she had heard from a comedy sketch. The reason it left a deep impression on her was that during this period of time, these kids had pulled her into playing games again, and she had to endure the baptism of comedy sketches from time to time. Unfortunately, Guan Han hadn't made any progress in her comedic skills.

Her amusement went from how to stay in the game longer to how to see Fu Yujun seek revenge for her.

Fu Yujun didn't explain why, and she didn't ask. They didn't communicate much privately. Fu Yujun was very diligent, either filming or on her way to film. She could endure hardships and occasionally updated her social media with behind-the-scenes photos, mostly from the set, accompanied by a selfie.

Her selfie angles were well chosen. Guan Han couldn't pinpoint what made her look good, she just did, and her temperament was even better. Actors, especially those who had been tested by the market, couldn't look bad no matter how hard they tried.

Guan Han had a good eye for judging people, and Fu Yujun was someone who knew how to navigate social situations. She had a wide circle of friends and got along well wherever she went. But looking at it from a different perspective, someone like her must have hidden her true thoughts very deeply. Guan Han dealt with all kinds of people every day, and with the enigmatic boss Qin Yinong in front of her, she really didn't want to invite trouble by trying to guess what they were thinking.

If they wanted to play games, they would play, if not, then forget it. It was best to keep their relationship simple within the game.

"Why are you spacing out?" Qin Yinong raised her eyes and noticed that her usually focused executive seemed a bit distracted.

Guan Han seemed absent-minded several times today, occasionally revealing a strange expression that quickly disappeared. However, it was rare for her to be the only one lost in thought when she and Tang Ruoyao were together.

Guan Han lowered her gaze and said, "It's nothing."

Qin Yinong suddenly asked, "How long has it been since you last took a vacation?"

Guan Han: "???"

A hint of shyness flashed through Qin Yinong's eyes, and she said seriously, "I might stay at home for a while. If I don't call you, you don't have to come over."

Guan Han felt a bit disheartened.

Qin Yinong coughed and continued, "Don't worry, you'll still receive your salary during your time off."

Guan Han was like a shadow in Qin Yinong's house, always within sight and ready to serve at any time. Qin Yinong hadn't thought much of it because it had always been that way. Besides, if she wanted to spend time with Tang Ruoyao, they could go upstairs to her room. But during lunch, when the atmosphere was charged, and Tang Ruoyao had just kneeled down and asked to be her girlfriend, they were about to have a lovey-dovey moment when they noticed a shining lightbulb nearby, making them both feel uncomfortable.

Guan Han's eyes were filled with grievance as she said, "Qin Jie."

Qin Yinong felt a slight warmth in her ears and gestured with two fingers, saying, "Double salary. You've worked hard during this period."

Guan Han readily agreed, "Then I won't come tomorrow. Call me anytime if you need anything."

Qin Yinong replied softly, feeling a bit embarrassed, "Mm."

She put on an eye mask, rested her head on the seatback, and prepared to relax.

Guan Han stared at the faint blush behind her ears, feeling a tinge of bittersweetness. This was probably the last bit of sweetness she could get from their CP (couple pairing) recently.

.....

"Auntie Tang, try this pork rib." Ningning picked up a rib with a spoon and extended it towards Tang Ruoyao. She had a somewhat sympathetic feeling towards Tang Ruoyao, as well as an inexplicable fondness.

Auntie Tang not only wasn't smart, but she also didn't have her mom by her side. It was really pitiful.

Tang Ruoyao accepted it without hesitation and smiled, "Ningning, you should have some too." In return, she used a pair of public chopsticks to pick up a piece of lotus root cake and put it in Ningning's bowl. She blew on it gently and said, "Be careful, it's hot."

"Thank you, Auntie Tang." The little girl had good manners and ate with proper etiquette.

Her chopsticks were a bit unsteady, but there was no sign of impatience. Her expression remained calm, and her movements were graceful and deliberate.

She was more composed and poised than many adults.

She was Tang Ruoyao's daughter.

Tang Ruoyao's eyes unconsciously curved into a crescent shape, feeling herself on the verge of drifting away. She quickly averted her gaze. If she were filming a movie right now, it would definitely be the scene with the most NGs (outtakes) in her entire life.

Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang exchanged a glance, seeing the same confusion in each other's eyes.

After dinner, Tang Ruoyao helped the two elderly people clean up the dishes. Aunt Fang said, "We can handle this."

Tang Ruoyao insisted.

In the end, she was assigned the task of wiping the table. As she wiped the table, she looked at Qin Jianing standing by her side, hugging a stuffed toy. She couldn't help but smile with a motherly expression.

She hadn't even noticed it herself, but her overflowing fondness for Qin Jianing was evident in her eyes.

However, children are actually very sensitive, especially for a perceptive child like Qin Jianing. Tang Ruoyao's unabashed affection made her feel awkward, and she held her stuffed toy tightly in her hands.

Qin Jianing had a small social circle. Due to family reasons, she faced gossip and idle chatter from her classmates at school. Being sensitive by nature, she instinctively distanced herself from those people. Moreover, she matured early and rarely made friends. As for the older generation, there was no need to mention them. Qin Yinong wished she could hide her away in another dimension, leaving only Ji Shulan, Aunt Fang, and Ji Yunyao.

Tang Ruoyao was different from them all. She was her mother's girlfriend.

She didn't know how to establish a normal interpersonal relationship with her.

Tang Ruoyao: "Huh?"

She watched as the little girl pursed her lips and ran away, slightly furrowing her brows.

Tang Ruoyao wanted to continue tidying up the kitchen but was chased out by the two kitchen staff.

Ningning turned on the TV and played an American animated film.

Tang Ruoyao didn't recognize it, so she went online to search for the title and synopsis. She had almost finished her search and wanted to talk to the child about the animated film, finding a common topic. However, she saw Qin Jianing turn off the TV.

Tang Ruoyao: "???" 

The little girl was about to run again, and Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but ask, "Ningning, where are you going?"

Qin Jianing obediently replied, "To do my homework."

Tang Ruoyao said, "But you didn't go to school today, right?"

Qin Jianing fell silent for a moment, then looked up at her and asked, "Did my mom say why I can't go to school?" Education was a complex matter. Tang Ruoyao was originally sitting on the sofa, feeling a bit superior. She remembered how Qin Yinong always crouched down and made sure to maintain eye contact when speaking to her. So she imitated her, walked over, and squatted down on one knee, answering, "Because there are bad people outside. Once your mom drives away all the bad people, you can go back to school. But don't worry, your mom will bring a teacher to our home for you."

"Is Mom a superhero?" Qin Ning's eyes suddenly lit up.

"Yeah." Tang Ruoyao smiled.

"Then what are you?" Qin Ning tilted her head and asked curiously.

"As for me, I'm the errand runner for superheroes, the logistical support, you know?"

Qin Ning shook her head honestly and said softly, "Would you like to tell me about it?"

Asking questions so politely, where did this little angel come from? Tang Ruoyao felt her heart beating fast again.

Having a strong curiosity for knowledge was a good thing, at least Tang Ruoyao found an opportunity to talk to her.

"Logistical support means..." Tang Ruoyao lifted her onto the sofa and patiently explained, many terms that children couldn't understand. Each "what is that" popped up one after another, Tang Ruoyao answered the ones she could and if she couldn't, she used the computer to look it up for her, never being perfunctory.

......

Qin Yinong looked at the chat record on her screen, showing messages sent but no replies, her eyebrows furrowing lightly.

Didn't Tang Ruoyao ask her to message her? Why did she send the messages but receive no response?

Author's Note:

Surprise: The situation has reversed dramatically, the relationship between the newlyweds has broken down, all because the child's father forgot about his mother after having a daughter? [Not true]

On another note: Not whitewashing anyone, just objectively describing, people have multiple facets, Ji Shulan is a weak and somewhat foolish person, and her actions are based on her character (of course, there's also the mischief caused by the author). As for Aunt Fang, strictly speaking, it's not considered a couple, this segment is done and won't be written separately, it was foreshadowed quite early, and some people noticed it when I was writing it. ﹁_﹁

And I'm quite happy to see that some people dislike Ji Yunyao, I never intended to write her as a good person, hahaha.

PS: They didn't drink water yesterday, or at least it's the first time they drank water after officially getting together, so there won't be ellipses directly. But don't expect too much, and remember to come and read it early. Those who follow the story every day, raise your hands for me to see, and those who raise their hands get a girlfriend!

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