CHAPTER 159

"Sister Mu." Tang Ruoyao took the earphones out of her bag and held them in her palm, politely interrupting Mu Qingwu with a slightly embarrassed tone.

Mu Qingwu looked up. "What's wrong?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "I want to video chat with my family. Is it okay?"

Mu Qingwu had a great temperament and replied, "Sure." She considerately turned halfway, lowering her head to focus on her own work.

Tang Ruoyao put on the earphones.

She sent a message to Qin Yinong: [I'm ready here.]

Unnoticed by Tang Ruoyao, Qin Yinong sighed and added both Tang Ruoyao and Ji Shulan to a WeChat group, initiating a video call. Tang Ruoyao held her breath, waiting anxiously. As soon as the video invitation popped up, she immediately accepted it.

Three frames appeared, showing Qin Yinong, Tang Ruoyao, and Qin Jianing respectively.

Qin Jianing had been crying her heart out a moment ago, but now her little face was washed clean, her hands wiped, and aside from a slight lingering redness around her eyes, she looked like a pure and delicate little adult.

Qin Jianing was a bit shy. "Auntie Tang."

"Ningning." Aunt Tang smiled, revealing her teeth.Qin Yinong remained silent, looking down at the bed.

With just one sentence from the child, Tang Ruoyao's heart melted, and her whole demeanor became incredibly gentle.

Mu Qingwu didn't intend to pry, but sitting next to her all this time, witnessing such a drastic change, Mu Qingwu couldn't help but let her thoughts wander.

Could it be that Ningning is Qin Yinong's nickname?

Ningning was reserved and didn't talk much. Tang Ruoyao asked her a few questions about what she did at home and if she had played anything, and she answered them all in a childish voice.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't wait to rush back home and give her a warm hug.

Afterward, she asked Qin Yinong, "Is Teacher Lin still with you?"

They had been chatting with Ningning for a while now, and now that it was her turn to speak, Tang Ruoyao asked about Lin Ruohan first.

Qin Yinong's displeasure and grievances instantly reached their peak, but she was used to pretending, and her tone didn't reveal any emotions as she said, "She said the disinfectant smell in the hospital room was too strong, so she went outside to get some fresh air."

Tang Ruoyao was slightly puzzled by this reason. It was odd for a friend visiting someone in the hospital to complain about that. But then she thought that she didn't know Lin Ruohan's personality well. She seemed like someone who enjoyed making jokes, so she treated it as one of her jokes.

Tang Ruoyao asked with concern, "Are you feeling better now?"

Qin Yinong responded with a flat "Mm" and said, "Much better."

She thought to herself: How long were you gone? Two hours? What difference does it make if I feel a little better?

Tang Ruoyao said, "Take care and message me if you need anything."

Qin Yinong replied, "Okay."

Her attitude was neither warm nor cold, neither salty nor tasteless.

A strange feeling rose in Tang Ruoyao's heart, and she blurted out, "Are you upset?"

Qin Yinong's lips curved into a faint arc, resembling a cold smile. It was subtle, but Tang Ruoyao, who had Qin Yinong's every expression change firmly in her grasp, immediately asked anxiously, "What's wrong?"

Seeing her concern, Qin Yinong's facial expression softened slightly, and she evaded, "It's nothing, just..." She stared fixedly at Tang Ruoyao, not saying anything, but her eyes, like a lake, revealed a longing emotion.

In her mind, Tang Ruoyao added the missing two words: I miss you.

Her voice lowered as she said, "I'll be back tomorrow." She had secretly decided that if she had a plane ticket, she would rush back overnight after the evening event.

Qin Yinong pursed her lips and said, "Okay."

Reluctantly, Tang Ruoyao softly said, "Then I'll hang up first?"

Qin Yinong nodded.

"Okay."

Tang Ruoyao looked deeply into her eyes, using her gaze to carefully capture every detail of Qin Yinong's face. She had more intimate and moving words to say, but Mu Qingwu was beside them, making it inconvenient. She could only hide all the words she wanted to say in her eyes.

I miss you, I love you. I want to hold you, I want to kiss you.

Even through the phone screen, Qin Yinong blushed and felt hot under her intense gaze. She raised her hand to block the camera and whispered, "We'll talk when you come back, hang up first."

She pressed the exit button.

On Ningning's side, as soon as Tang and Qin started chatting separately, Ji Shulan tactfully ended the video call. Now, only Tang Ruoyao remained in the three frames. She slowly rubbed the edges of her phone with her fingertips, unable to come back to her senses for a while.

She had just video chatted with her wife and daughter.

Realizing it late, a chord in her heart was struck, and a warm flow spread through her heart, making her unable to help but laugh.

The laughter couldn't stop, so Tang Ruoyao had to raise her hand and bite the joint of her index finger to suppress the smile a bit, then looked out the window.

Mu Qingwu didn't want to interrupt her, but several minutes had passed since she hung up the video.

Mu Qingwu tapped the wooden desk with his fingers.

Tang Ruoyao cleared her throat and said, "Sister Mu."

Mu Qingwu flipped open the documents and continued where she had left off.

This brand endorsement was arranged by An Ling for Tang Ruoyao. It was globally renowned, so the event was formal. The Vice President of the group and the head of the Asia-Pacific region would also be present. There were certain terms that couldn't be remembered incorrectly. Aside from appearing nervous, it would be terrible if it left a bad impression on the main sponsor, her father.

Tang Ruoyao shifted her focus from her wife and child and invested all her energy into tonight's event.

***

Ningning had met Auntie Tang, so she finally stopped overthinking.

Qin Yinong called Lin Ruohan back and explained the misunderstanding caused by the child's mischief. Lin Ruohan laughed and waved her hand, indicating that she didn't mind at all. She even said the child was cute.

Qin Yinong asked her, "Do you want to video chat again?"

Lin Ruohan replied, "No, it's fine."

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow in confusion.

Lin Ruohan smiled and said, "I have a psychological shadow now. Next time, I'll just come directly to your place at a suitable time, bringing some gifts that the little one likes. It will also seem more formal."

Qin Yinong teased, "Aren't you afraid of seeing her in person, and she..."

Veins popped on Lin Ruohan's forehead as she said, "You're heartless!"

Qin Yinong chuckled, "Hahaha."

The hospital room was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

When women gathered, they inevitably gossiped. Lin Ruohan asked Qin Yinong about how the sweet romance between Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong started, and Qin Yinong turned the question back on her, asking, "Do you have a new love interest?"

Lin Ruohan rolled her eyes and said, "If I had someone, would I have time to see you?"

Qin Yinong nodded in agreement, saying, "True."

Lin Ruohan was someone who prioritized love once she was in a relationship. Everything revolved around her partner. Although she wouldn't go as far as neglecting her own health, she wouldn't be as carefree, let alone staying overnight.

Yes, Lin Ruohan planned to spend the night in the hospital room. It wasn't Tang Ruoyao's suggestion, it was her own decision, and Qin Yinong naturally didn't object.

Qin Yinong asked, "Is there no one you've taken a liking to?"

Lin Ruohan said, "Not really." She lowered her head to look at the tip of her shoe, stuttering and showing signs of uneasiness.

Qin Yinong sat up straighter and asked, "What's wrong?"

Lin Ruohan muttered to herself.

Qin Yinong prompted, "Hmm?"

With her head lowered, Lin Ruohan struggled to speak, "That person came to see me again."

That person? Qin Yinong thought for a moment and understood—it was her ex-girlfriend.

She herself had experienced a rough first love, so she didn't feel comfortable interfering in others' relationships. She believed that whether it was love or any other emotion, it was something only the person involved could truly understand. In other words, she was a good listener, and Lin Ruohan liked confiding in her for a reason.

Qin Yinong asked, "What are your thoughts?"

Lin Ruohan replied nonchalantly, "Of course, my thoughts are that a good horse does not graze on old pastures."

Without going into further details, when they were together, their parents had already met, and they were even discussing marriage. Lin Ruohan had even ordered a wedding dress from a renowned Italian designer. But unexpectedly, they broke up, and many people in their social circle knew about it. Lin Ruohan's reputation had suffered. Now that her ex came back to find her, where was her dignity?

Qin Yinong made a sound of agreement and asked, "So, what are you conflicted about then?"

Lin Ruohan smiled bitterly.

Qin Yinong thought to herself: So, it's about lingering feelings from the past.

Lin Ruohan said, "Moreover, she didn't break up with me because she fell for someone else. It was premarital anxiety disorder, you know?"

Qin Yinong replied, "You mentioned that before."

Lin Ruohan continued, "She said she regretted it, and if I was willing, she would marry me immediately. Lately, she's been asking me out for dinner. I couldn't resist and agreed once, but then she directly proposed to me, kneeling down with a ring. It scared me."

Qin Yinong laughed, "Did you run away in fear?"

Lin Ruohan scoffed, "How could that be? I've seen and experienced too much. Just a proposal wouldn't make me flee." In fact, it was worse than running away. Shamefully, Lin Ruohan realized that she was once again moved, and she even had the impulse to accept her.

It was different from the fleeting feelings she had for Tang Ruoyao, based solely on objective factors that matched her preferences. Love was love, regardless of what the person became or whether she had weakly given up on her before. She still loved her. She wasn't a young teenager anymore; she was at an age where others would consider her an old aunt, but a moment of being moved would forever stay with her.

If love could be reasoned with, be rational, and weigh pros and cons, then it wouldn't be love. Especially for someone like Lin Ruohan, whose whole life revolved around love.

After that, Lin Ruohan had been avoiding her, cowardly hiding until today.

Qin Yinong shifted her gaze away from Lin Ruohan's clenched fist, showing her consideration by not exposing her.

Lin Ruohan got up to pour some water, her back turned to Qin Yinong.

After pouring the water, she still didn't turn around, and suddenly said, "Aunties like us, who have reached a certain age, are eager to settle down. When we meet someone we truly love, we want to marry them and spend our lives together. Young people are different; they want novelty, excitement, and a sweet life. They want to enjoy love and don't want to step into the mundane aspects of marriage too early, dealing with the trivialities of everyday life." She spoke slowly, "I understand that, really."

She seemed so bitter that Qin Yinong thought she might have been crying.

Qin Yinong tried to lighten the mood and said, "You're four years older than me, so go ahead and be an auntie by yourself. Don't drag me into it."

Lin Ruohan chuckled, "You're something."

She walked back, and there indeed were glistening tears in her eyes.

Qin Yinong said, "Just let things go naturally."

Lin Ruohan sighed, "What else can I do?"

Qin Yinong said, "I hope you can be happy. If you're truly unhappy, don't force yourself." She patted Lin Ruohan's shoulder.

Lin Ruohan suddenly smiled and once again revealed that perplexing expression. She said, "Why didn't I fall for you back then? Look at you, so loyal and considerate. If I had chosen you, would things have turned out like this?"

Qin Yinong remained calm and said, "I'm already taken."

Lin Ruohan was momentarily stunned and blurted out a curse. Then she clutched her chest, looking shocked, and said, "How did you become so flirtatious? I can't handle it, I can't handle it."

Qin Yinong squinted her eyes.

Lin Ruohan sighed again, "Although I'm a mess, as long as I see you happy, I can rest assured."

Qin Yinong smiled and said, "No matter where you go, there will always be beautiful things."

Without thinking, Lin Ruohan responded, "Among the weak waters in the world, I only want a sip." [There are so many beautiful things or people in the world, I only like her.]

She fell silent after saying that.

Qin Yinong didn't disturb her, but with Tang Ruoyao absent and nothing else to do, she closed her eyes and started thinking about her. She thought about the things she had said to her, the warmth of her embrace, and the deep kisses filled with tenderness and desire.

Tang Ruoyao suddenly came to mind. Lin Ruohan's young singer ex-girlfriend was around the same age as Tang Ruoyao.

Qin Yinong opened her eyes.

From the bag she had brought, Lin Ruohan took out a box of cigarettes for women. She held a long cigarette delicately between her slender fingers and used a lighter with her other hand. She said, "I'm going to the restroom to smoke."

Lin Ruohan would smoke privately, but she didn't go as far as using a cigarette holder. When she felt restless or upset, she would have one.

Qin Yinong nodded.

She closed the door behind her.

Qin Yinong did not doubt Tang Ruoyao's desire to be together with her for a lifetime. After all, Tang Ruoyao had previously expressed her commitment with the words "forever, never to be separated." But marriage...

Tang Ruoyao had mentioned saving up for her dowry, but at that time their relationship was not clear, and it was during a program interview, not a face-to-face conversation. If Qin Yinong were to propose to her, would she be scared away like Lin Ruohan?

Qin Yinong picked up her phone, entered her account and password, and logged into an email account. Inside, there was a design concept for an engagement ring from a foreign jewelry designer. Qin Yinong considered the proposal to be a once-in-a-lifetime event and took it very seriously. About two months ago, she had already contacted this renowned designer to customize the engagement ring and wedding bands for herself.

Qin Yinong enlarged the concept design, carefully examining every intricate detail and pattern that she had memorized by heart. Her eyes softened, and she exited the email, locking her phone screen.

Lin Ruohan had finished smoking and came out, rinsing her mouth in passing, fully revived and once again a lively and admirable woman.

"What are you daydreaming about?" she asked.

"Nothing." Qin Yinong snapped out of her worries.

What if Tang Ruoyao really gets scared away by her?

.......

Tang Ruoyao had a good memory and listened attentively as Mu Qingwu gave her instructions. Like a teacher checking a student's understanding, Mu Qingwu randomly asked Tang Ruoyao a few questions, and Tang Ruoyao responded fluently. Only then did Mu Qingwu feel relieved.

Tang Ruoyao personally squeezed her shoulders and said, "Sister Mu, take a rest."

Mu Qingwu contentedly narrowed her eyes, waved her hand for Tang Ruoyao to sit back, and said, "We're almost there. Rest when we're on the plane."

"Okay." Tang Ruoyao agreed.

After takeoff, Tang Ruoyao asked Xin Qian for paper and pen, placing them on the small tray table and earnestly writing something. Mu Qingwu sat beside her, draped the blanket given by the flight attendant over her legs, and curiously glanced over, asking, "What are you writing?"

Tang Ruoyao lifted her palm to block the view, saying conservatively, "It's nothing."

Mu Qingwu chuckled, "So mysterious," she said, "I'm going to sleep." She put on her eye mask.

Tang Ruoyao looked at the jumble of numbers on the paper that only she could understand, and her ears couldn't help but grow hot. She was... calculating her dowry.

Today's payment from the shooting added another sum to her notebook, bringing her closer to buying a house. Tang Ruoyao felt a sense of urgency, the property prices in the capital were just too high. New houses were not affordable, good location, good layout, and privacy were all important factors, and when combined, they amounted to astronomical figures. And there were also cars, diamond rings, wedding bands. Even after purchasing all of these, she couldn't have no savings left. It would take her forever to save up enough money.

Tang Ruoyao became more and more impatient as she calculated. She thought that Qin Yinong must be someone who didn't care about material possessions, while she was the one getting tangled up in it. If she didn't strike it rich within a year, no matter how much dowry she saved up, she would marry Qin Yinong and become her legitimate wife.

The idea of marrying forcefully seemed a bit shameless at first thought, but when Tang Ruoyao thought about her journey so far, being shameless had already become the norm for her. After doing some mental work, she convinced herself.

There was another important thing: within a year, she wanted to make Qin Jianing start calling her "Mommy."

Tang Ruoyao rubbed her hands together, ready to embrace the challenges of her new life.

Mu Qingwu pulled down her eye mask and saw the spirited and smiling figure of the artist beside her. Ever since Tang Ruoyao started dating, she seemed like a different person. Mu Qingwu couldn't help but shake her head and chuckle, putting her eye mask back on.

The brand valued Tang Ruoyao highly and arranged for someone to pick her up. As soon as Tang Ruoyao got off the plane, she got into the car and headed to the prepared dressing room. The makeup artist and stylist were all waiting eagerly, bustling around to change her clothes and do her makeup.

Tang Ruoyao was dressed from head to toe in the brand's clothes. It was a handmade white suit with a crisp white shirt, shiny cufflinks, and perfectly tailored pants that highlighted her long and slender legs.

From the shoulder line down, there was a waist-cinching design that accentuated her slim waist and long legs, giving her a sharp and elegant look.

Tang Ruoyao stood in front of the full-length mirror, facing her reflection. She slightly lifted her chin and gazed at herself with a cold and stunning demeanor.

The stylist squinted her eyes and stepped forward to unbutton two buttons of her shirt collar, revealing a delicate collarbone. After a moment's thought, he replaced Tang Ruoyao's diamond studs with a pair of tassel drop earrings, adding a casual yet elegant touch.

"Perfect, you look beautiful," the stylist applauded with his hands together, expressing his satisfaction and praise in his eyes. "Miss Tang, you may proceed."

"Thank you." Tang Ruoyao said and immediately went to look for Xin Qian.

Xin Qian, the "Number One Assistant", handed her the prepared phone, unable to hide her smile. She understood that Tang Ruoyao wanted to report to her wife.

Tang Ruoyao sent Qin Yinong a message: [I'm done with my makeup and ready to go.]

Qin Yinong replied instantly: [Send me a selfie.]

Tang Ruoyao: [???]

Tang Ruoyao hesitated and asked: [Teacher Lin?]

Lin Ruohan: "..."

Was her acting really that bad? She revealed her true intentions in just five words?

She tossed the phone back, clicking her tongue and saying, "How boring."

Qin Yinong was caught off guard when Lin Ruohan snatched her phone, and she sneered, "I didn't tell you to take it."

She lowered her head and calmly typed: [No, it was me.]

Tang Ruoyao's selfie was something Qin Yinong was definitely interested in seeing, but she felt embarrassed to ask. Lin Ruohan unintentionally helped her out.

Tang Ruoyao bit her lip and said, [Wait for me.]

Looking around, Tang Ruoyao couldn't find a convenient place to take the photo, so she reluctantly went back into the dressing room.

The stylist hurriedly reminded her, "Teacher Tang, the door is over here..."

Mu Qingwu said, "She has something to do, but she'll be quick."

That "quick" turned out to be right before the deadline for departure. Mu Qingwu approached the dressing room door and knocked, while Tang Ruoyao hurriedly buttoned up her shirt and said, "Coming."

Mu Qingwu looked at her with a slight hint of dissatisfaction in her eyes and said, "It's time to go."

Qin Yinong had been waiting for the selfie: [???]

Tang Ruoyao said, [Wait for me a little longer.]

Qin Yinong: [Okay.]

She picked and chose from the dozens of photos in her album. No matter how many times she closed her eyes, she couldn't bring herself to send the overly revealing one.

Tang Ruoyao: [Insert a modest selfie]

Qin Yinong: [Looks good]

Tang Ruoyao: [I'm getting in the car now.]

Qin Yinong: [I'll check Weibo.]

This brand event had not only Tang Ruoyao, the spokesperson for the Greater China region, but also many popular celebrities. In the capitalistic society, brands came up with various titles like "ambassador" and "experience officer" for these celebrities, making it easier to exploit their fan bases.

So this event garnered quite a bit of attention in the online fandom. The brand's official social media accounts released more materials accordingly, and the fans helped spread the word.

As the spokesperson, Tang Ruoyao naturally had the most presence. Just the departure video alone, the official account posted a three-minute clip, including a few details from the makeup room. The makeup artist applying makeup on her face, transforming her from a dusty appearance to an elegant figure. Finally, Tang Ruoyao walked into the corridor, tall and graceful, turning back towards the camera with a faint smile, her eyes filled with a light and gentle uplift.

"We're about to depart."

She was usually cold, so this occasional display of warmth was particularly heartwarming.

Opening the comments, as expected, they were flooded with fans' messages, occasionally mixed with accidental comments.

[Oh my god, I'm dead, I'm dead. Sister's beauty is killing me.]

[Ahh! explosive! I can't believe it, I really can't!]

[Elegant temperament, legs like a forest, pure and noble, face like jade. She once smiled and stirred up a spring breeze, and she has also walked like a celestial being in the moonlight.]

[Rainbow farts are still blowing above, I can only go with "ahh ahh ahh" and beg for more. I'm ready day and night, never stopping.]

[I'm not Tang Ruoyao's fan, but this is too amazing. Who is this long-legged sister? I don't care anymore ahhhhhhh!]

[A goddess among mortals.]

Qin Yinong, on her phone, didn't hesitate to like each comment one by one. She even considered leaving a comment herself, but after opening the comment section for a while and deleting and revising her words, she didn't end up leaving a single word. She retreated and silently peered at the screen.

While Tang Ruoyao attended the event, Qin Yinong, who was miles away in the hospital, scrolled through her updates, her eyes filled with affection.

Lin Ruohan felt particularly uncomfortable in her heart.

She looked at others and then at herself, feeling sorry for herself.

Qin Yinong was accustomed to seeing such comments from fans. Her own Weibo comments had them too, but nothing as exaggerated as Tang Ruoyao's. She had once scrolled through Tang Ruoyao's Weibo and found it mostly like this, which made her feel... peculiar.

Because of the strong impression of "Little White Rabbit," Qin Yinong once wondered how Tang Ruoyao managed to attract so many "chicken scream" fans. She specifically asked Guan Han about the meaning of "A," and after Guan Han looked it up and explained it to her, she learned that it originated from ABO and described someone with an explosive temperament.

Qin Yinong blinked in confusion and asked, "What does it mean to have an explosive temperament?"

Guan Han thought for a moment and explained in a simple and understandable way, "Very dominant, full of aggression, the type that can make people weak in the knees."

Qin Yinong was confused at the time and thought to herself, "Internet users are truly blind as always."

But now she felt different. Looking at Tang Ruoyao's photos, she did feel a bit weak in the knees and her heartbeat quickened. Random thoughts started to fill her mind, and her cheeks grew warm, her breath deepening. She quickly scrolled through the comments to shift her attention.

Qin Yinong tirelessly scrolled through thousands of comments praising Tang Ruoyao, feeling a mix of jealousy and pride as she thought to herself, "She is mine."

Her close friend's expression became more and more playful, unable to hide her smiles.

Lin Ruohan's expression was filled with anger. She stood up, poured herself a glass of water, and angrily scrolled through her phone to gain some attention.

Qin Yinong, feeling a bit slow to react, realized there was another person in the room. She lowered her phone screen and cleared her throat uncomfortably, finding something to say. "Do you want to watch TV?"

Lin Ruohan's eyes shifted, and she replied, "Sure."

Qin Yinong lifted her chin slightly and said, "The remote control is on top of the TV cabinet. I can't reach it easily, so you can get it yourself."

Lin Ruohan turned on the TV and typed a name in the search bar: Tang Ruoyao.

Qin Yinong: "..."

Lin Ruohan asked with a serious tone, "Her movie 'Under the Southern Mountain' released this year has done well both at the box office and in terms of reputation. Have you watched it?"

Of course, Qin Yinong had watched it.

She replied, "Let's watch something else." Watching a movie alone was nothing special, but watching a movie starring her lover with her friend felt strange.

Lin Ruohan snorted, "I haven't."

She pressed play.

Qin Yinong had no choice but to go along with her.

Lin Ruohan hadn't seen "Under the Southern Mountain" on purpose to tease Qin Yinong, but as she watched, she became engrossed in the captivating storyline. The pacing was fast, and Tang Ruoyao's acting was excellent. The turbulent backdrop of a major historical era always filled one's heart with a sense of grandeur and tragedy.

Being an emotional person, Lin Ruohan started crying halfway through, and the tissues were continuously in use.

Qin Yinong was fine, but she noticed that she was a bit out of place. Tang Ruoyao wore several sets of cheongsam in "Under the Southern Mountain," highlighting her slender waist, graceful movements, and exquisite curves.

Women, especially beautiful women, looked stunning in cheongsam, like heavenly beings.

As soon as this thought crossed Qin Yinong's mind, she raised her finger in annoyance and forcefully pinched her brow. What was wrong with her today? Why was she only thinking about these things? Did Tang Ruoyao cast a spell on her?

Author's Note:

Tang Ruoyao: A big dominant presence in front of everyone, but in front of Sister Qin, who has fully recovered, she becomes a little submissive. Disagreeing readers can leave comments.

PS: The rainbow fart compliments, "elegant temperament, legs like a forest, pure and noble, face like jade," comes from a long review that a reader named Black Cat wrote for "The Wolf's Gaze on Linshi." It's something I came across online, but I don't know the original source.

BACK | TABLE OF CONTENTS | NEXT