CHAPTER 162

"Sister..." a soft, coquettish voice whispered in Qin Yinong's ear.

Qin Yinong's legs weakened unexpectedly, followed by a tingling sensation that spread throughout her body. Fortunately, being held by the young woman, her entire weight was supported, and she didn't show any obvious abnormalities.

Her back stiffened unknowingly, she didn't turn her head, but reached back and touched Tang Ruoyao's ear, sliding her fingertips down, gently pinching the tender and white earlobe, trying to make her voice sound naturally gentle with a hint of soft laughter. "Why are you calling me that again?"

"I want to." Tang Ruoyao stared at the gradually reddening base of Qin Yinong's ear, a hint of amusement flashing in her eyes. She played a mischievous trick, deliberately leaning closer to the woman, her lips intermittently brushing against her earlobe as she softly whispered, "Sister..."

Qin Yinong couldn't bear it anymore. Her knuckles tightened against the edge of the sofa, gripping tightly.

The patch of snowy white skin on her ear, teased by Tang Ruoyao's words and kisses, turned crimson, almost as if it was about to bleed.

Tang Ruoyao murmured, "Sister, I want to be with you..."

The last two words were spoken softly but clearly enunciated. As an excellent actress, Qin Yinong understood it loud and clear. Her face instantly flushed, and her breathing became rapid.

It was because of her straightforwardness, but also because of the nature of that matter itself.

The five fingers she clenched on the fabric sofa were gently pried open one by one. Tang Ruoyao supported her hand from below, intertwining her fingers, and then found her way into the gaps between her fingers, linking their hands together.

The hormones between lovers were like fuel that could ignite at any moment.

Tang Ruoyao's breath was also erratic, and Qin Yinong could feel it, warm and steamy against her ear. But she remained still, holding her hand tightly, without turning her face, or tenderly or forcefully kissing her.

Because she knew very well that two people in love, in such an atmosphere, if they were to kiss now, they wouldn't be able to stop.

The air gradually returned to its normal temperature.

Tang Ruoyao brought the woman's hand to her lips, gently pecking the back of her hand, and then looked up at her.

Their gazes finally met for the first time, filled with tenderness.

Tang Ruoyao smiled and said, "When you're fully recovered, we'll..."

Qin Yinong made a sound of agreement, but there was still a lingering restlessness in her heart. She cleared her throat and asked, "Do you want to read?"

Tang Ruoyao shook her head.

"Then let's not read." Qin Yinong lazily said, relaxing her expression as she nestled back into the young woman's embrace.

She didn't want Tang Ruoyao to read either. She wanted Tang Ruoyao to accompany her, with her eyes only on her, for twenty-four hours a day, without being distracted by anything else.

Tang Ruoyao changed her way of embracing, stretching out her long arms and holding Qin Yinong's shoulders to make her more comfortable.

The sofa was meant for one person, and both of them had long limbs, so it was a bit uncomfortable to squeeze together. Tang Ruoyao squinted her eyes, looking at the sunlight pouring in from the window and suddenly pointed her finger, saying, "Shall we buy a chaise lounge to put there? We can sunbathe together in the winter, it's getting cold soon."

Qin Yinong followed her gaze and felt a sense of anticipation for some reason. The corners of her eyes curved up as she said, "Okay."

"And let's buy a recliner and put it over there." Tang Ruoyao pointed to another corner.

"Alright."

"Have you ever laid on a recliner?" Tang Ruoyao asked.

Qin Yinong thought for a moment and said, "Yes, but I don't really like it." The young ones in her studio seemed to be quite enthusiastic about it. Xiao and the others would even fight over it, taking turns to sit and timing themselves.

"Why?" Tang Ruoyao asked.

"It's too comfortable, once you lie down, you don't want to get up," Qin Yinong said. "It feels indulgent. There are so many things to do."

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head and looked at their current sitting position, teasingly smiling. "So, being with me wouldn't be indulgent?"

Tang Ruoyao suddenly felt like a mischievous fox spirit disturbing a Daoist cultivator's practice, and couldn't help but smile mischievously.

Qin Yinong said seriously, "It's different."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "How is it different?"

Qin Yinong turned her head, touched her eyebrows, and said softly, "I'm very happy when I'm with you, even if we don't move at all."

Tang Ruoyao caught her finger, kissed it, and smiled, showing her teeth.

"I'm happy too."

"But it's true that I've become a bit indulgent," Qin Yinong added.

Tang Ruoyao knew that she had been busy for so many years, and it would definitely take some time for her to get used to such a leisurely life. She coaxed her, saying, "You're recovering from an illness. The doctor said if you don't take good care of yourself this time, you might have long-term health issues."

"I know," Qin Yinong's voice lowered by two decibels as she said, "But right now, I can't do anything."

For some reason, Tang Ruoyao sensed a slightly different meaning from that "anything" of hers.

Was it the meaning she was thinking of?

Tang Ruoyao raised an eyebrow.

The two of them nestled on the sofa for an hour, chatting casually. Qin Yinong's eyelids were fighting against each other, and Tang Ruoyao carried her to the bed, where they took a nap before going downstairs for a walk.

Qin's residence had a large area, with a garden in the front and a swimming pool in the back. It was Tang Ruoyao's first time exploring it thoroughly, and she couldn't help but display occasional curious looks. Qin Yinong seemed the same, as if it was someone else's home.

Tang Ruoyao asked her with a smile, and Qin Yinong responded with a faint smile, saying, "I haven't paid much attention."

Tang Ruoyao felt a twinge of sadness but didn't say anything, slowing down her steps pushing the wheelchair.

"So many ivy plants," she feigned surprise.

Qin Yinong followed her gaze towards a wall in the courtyard and said, "They have been growing here for a long time. I've forgotten when exactly."

"They look beautiful," Tang Ruoyao said. "Let me take a picture for you."

Without thinking, Qin Yinong said, "No."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Why not?"

Qin Yinong hesitated and said, "...Go ahead, take one with me."

They took a photo together, with a backdrop of lush green ivy covering the wall. One woman had a smiling curved eye, while the other seemed slightly reserved.

Tang Ruoyao examined the photo, finding it hard to imagine that Qin Yinong, who was so at ease in front of the camera, would feel so uncomfortable taking a selfie. Qin Yinong had also seen it and was dissatisfied, furrowing her brow and saying, "Delete it, let's take another one."

Tang Ruoyao lamented, "This is our first photo together."

Qin Yinong compromised, "...Fine."

Tang Ruoyao brought up the front-facing camera again and hugged the woman's shoulder, saying, "But we can have a second photo, a third photo, countless photos. Ready, one, two..."

Qin Yinong quickly put on a smile.

Tang Ruoyao exclaimed, "Three!"

Click.

Qin Yinong took a glance at the photo and said, "It's alright." There was a hint of a smile in her eyes.

Tang Ruoyao pushed her towards the back of the house, where there was an outdoor swimming pool. Qin Yinong didn't have time to swim, and Ningning was still young. The two elderly people were even less likely to go in the water, so the pool was mostly abandoned. The ground around it was overgrown with weeds, and few people would come here.

Tang Ruoyao's first impression was, "What a waste."

Qin Yinong felt a bit embarrassed and lowered her gaze, saying softly, "I didn't think about it that much when I bought it." Like every impulsive shopper, Qin Yinong was also prone to impulsive decisions. She thought they might use the pool and having one was better than not having one, so she bought a house with a built-in pool. However, it ended up being neglected.

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Should we find someone to clean it up?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Okay." She asked, "Can you swim?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "Yes."

Qin Yinong asked, "Do you have a swimsuit?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "No."

Qin Yinong fell silent, her lowered eyelashes seemed to be contemplating something.

Tang Ruoyao figured it out and couldn't help but tilt her head, suppressing the smile at the corner of her lips.

Was she thinking of buying a swimsuit for her?

She wanted to see what schemes Qin Yinong was plotting in her mind. She didn't say anything, but how many Thomas the Tank Engine trains had she sent running in her mind? In the afternoon, before she took her nap, she deliberately opened the drawer of the bedside table and glanced inside. In the innermost layer of the drawer, there was a pink box with only two finger sheaths left inside.

"Qin Yinong." She suddenly called out the woman's name, her voice low and hoarse.

Qin Yinong looked up, her eyes expressing confusion.

Tang Ruoyao smiled mischievously, "It's nothing."

Qin Yinong: "???"

Dusk fell, and the wind gradually picked up.

Tang Ruoyao took Qin Yinong back home. As soon as they entered, Ningning, who was sitting by the French windows, raised her head and said, "You're back." Her voice contained a hint of suppressed excitement.

Qin Yinong, for some reason, suddenly turned her head and glanced at Tang Ruoyao, smiling.

Actually, this sentence often has a prefix. The complete version is, "Mom, Dad, you're back."

Although Tang Ruoyao wasn't the dad, she suddenly felt a sense of warmth. In a daze, she thought, "Does this mean I've partially integrated into this little family?"

"Mom, Auntie Tang, I've made up my mind," the little child walked over, her expression somewhat serious.

Auntie Tang was a bit forgetful and took a few seconds to remember the topic they had discussed at noon.

"Tell me."

"I don't want to go to kindergarten. Please find a teacher for me."

"Why?" Qin Yinong asked gently.

Ningning glanced at her, lowered her head, and whispered, "I don't like those classmates."

Qin Yinong held her on her lap and her response didn't surprise her.

Ningning is sensitive and delicate in her thoughts. She is deeply affected by the gossip and rumors from her classmates. Moreover, her intellectual maturity surpasses that of her peers, so she may not be able to play with others easily. Qin Yinong said, "Then let's not go to kindergarten. When you feel like going and want to make new friends, I'll send you there, okay?"

There's no need to force integration into an environment she doesn't like, as even adults find it mentally exhausting, let alone children.

Qin Yinong has no demands for her, she only hopes that Ningning grows up happily.

"Thank you, Mom." Ningning kissed her on the cheek and said in a tender voice.

Qin Yinong pinched her nose, and Ningning nestled in her embrace, smiling.

"Sweetheart, did you forget something?" Qin Yinong reminded her.

Ningning shifted her gaze to Tang Ruoyao and said hesitantly, "Thank you, Auntie Tang."

Tang Ruoyao was pleasantly surprised and hurriedly said, "No need to thank me."

Ningning pursed her lips, but she didn't seem unhappy.

Tang Ruoyao felt extremely fortunate and suddenly understood. She leaned in and their faces came together.

Her cheeks grew warm.

The child's lips were soft, with a faint scent of milk.

Ningning blushed with shyness and quickly jumped off the couch and ran away, leaving Tang Ruoyao feeling dizzy and disoriented.

Qin "Jealousy Sea Waves" Yinong: "Ahem."

Tang Ruoyao snapped back to reality, embraced Qin Yinong, and kissed her on each cheek.

Qin Yinong: "You—" before she could finish her sentence, she couldn't help but laugh.

Ningning hadn't gone far and turned around to see the scene. She covered her entire face and peeked through her fingers with her bright, watery eyes.

Mom and Auntie Tang...

Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!

"Grandma!"

Ji Shulan was cooking in the kitchen when she heard the voice and turned around. She saw a figure stumbling towards her, hugging her legs and looking up at her, repeatedly saying, "Grandma! Grandma!"

Ji Shulan turned off the stove, put down the spatula, and crouched down to meet her gaze. "What's wrong?"

Qin Jianing, incoherent with her words, finally let out a sigh of relief. She hugged Ji Shulan's head with her little hands and leaned close to her ear.

Ji Shulan leaned in first to listen.

Qin Jianing blushed and whispered to Ji Shulan, "I just saw Auntie Tang kiss Mom."

Ji Shulan: "..."

Ningning said, "Mom is very happy."

Ji Shulan seemed to understand a little.

Sure enough, she heard Ningning say, "I am also very happy."

She straightened up and asked Ji Shulan, "Is Grandma happy?"

Ji Shulan nodded, "Yes, I'm happy."

Ningning then turned to Grandma Fang, who stood by with a kind expression, and asked, "Is Granny Fang happy?"

Aunt Fang naturally said, "I'm happy."

Ningning clapped her hands happily and said in childish language, "Okay, everyone is happy, we will definitely be a happy family."

Ji Shulan's eyes inexplicably became teary.

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao were unaware of what was happening in the kitchen, but they could clearly sense the different atmosphere at the dining table. Previously, Qin Yinong was like a guest, and Ji Shulan, Aunt Fang, and even Ningning would often encourage her to eat vegetables and introduce various things to her.

Now the situation was like this: Aunt Fang stood up to serve the soup and as the soup bowl was closer to her, she asked one by one, "Does Ningning want some?"

"I want some," the child responded loudly, handing over her bowl.

"What about Shulan?"

"Half a bowl is enough."

"Would Xiao Tang like some?" It was Tang Ruoyao's turn according to the order, and her attitude was no different.

Tang Ruoyao reflexively tried to stand up but was promptly pulled back by Qin Yinong from behind. She sat back down, showing a smile and said, "Thank you."

Aunt Fang returned her a kind smile.

Aunt Fang had a simple and honest personality, and Tang Ruoyao had a good impression of her from the day she arrived. After dinner, while chatting with Qin Yinong, Tang Ruoyao casually mentioned her, and a playful expression appeared in Qin Yinong's eyes.

Tang Ruoyao was puzzled by her smile and asked, "What's wrong?"

Qin Yinong said, "She is my mom's neighbor."

Tang Ruoyao raised an eyebrow, about to ask, "So what?" Then she suddenly let out a soft "Ah" as if awakening from a dream. Qin Yinong's neighbor, wasn't that their own neighbor?

Aunt Fang finished washing the dishes and went to the small room to clean the cat's litter box. Qin Jianing had an American Shorthair mixed with white, a former little male cat who had now grown into a big one. He didn't like to interact with people and spent most of his time in the corner of the curtain fabric, lying there all day. He had almost no presence at home, except for the increasing evidence of his excrement in the litter box every day.

She came back after throwing away the trash, and Qin Yinong called out to her, "Aunt Fang."

Aunt Fang came over in response.

Qin Yinong asked her, "Do you still remember Zhuo Peiyun?"

Aunt Fang said, "Yes, I remember. What's the matter?"

Qin Yinong pointed at Tang Ruoyao and introduced, "She is Aunt Peiyun's daughter."

"Really?" Aunt Fang carefully examined Tang Ruoyao, finding some resemblance in her facial features. She was immediately filled with pleasant surprise and called Ji Shulan.

The two elderly people stared at her together. Although there was an additional layer of the relationship with an acquaintance, which might help her integrate faster, Tang Ruoyao still felt a bit embarrassed under the gaze of the elders. She resisted the impulse to bury her face in Qin Yinong's embrace.

But soon she understood Qin Yinong's intention.

When Zhuo Peiyun passed away, Qin Yinong was still young, and many things, including memories of Zhuo Peiyun, were vague. But Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang were different, especially Aunt Fang. She had raised her daughter alone and had a warm personality. She provided a lot of help during Zhuo Peiyun's pregnancy and confinement period. They had a close relationship before Zhuo Peiyun's passing.

The two of them started talking about Zhuo Peiyun, and in their descriptions, the hazy figure in Tang Ruoyao's mind gradually became more tangible. She became fascinated by their conversation.

Qin Yinong looked at her with gentle and affectionate eyes.

Ningning also came and sat on the sofa, lying on Qin Yinong's leg. She blinked her eyes and listened attentively as her grandmother told stories about Aunt Tang's mother.

Qin Yinong lowered her head and gently rubbed the child's head.

The whole family gathered together, filled with the joy and warmth of an Eastern-style family.

Time unknowingly passed, and when it was about to end, Ji Shulan's expression clearly showed that she had something to say. She opened her mouth but hesitated, ultimately not saying anything. Aunt Fang patted her hand gently, and Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao exchanged a glance.

Only Ningning, who was oblivious to everything, yawned and pulled Qin Yinong's hand, saying, "Mom, I want to take a bath."

Qin Yinong wanted to give Tang Ruoyao a chance to show herself, so she said softly, "How about letting Auntie Tang take you? Is that okay?"

Ningning pursed her lips and said softly, "Okay."

Ningning didn't need anyone's help to bathe. Tang Ruoyao's task was to get her clothes ready and prepare hot water. Ningning was very polite and walked up to Tang Ruoyao, saying, "Auntie Tang, my room is this way."

She led the way in front.

Qin Yinong cast an encouraging look at Tang Ruoyao.

Taking a deep breath, Tang Ruoyao followed along.

The child's room was decorated like a princess's room, with wooden floors and pink bed covers, curtains, and drapes, creating a dreamy and cozy atmosphere. On the left side of the room, there was a blue hanging chair with small white flowers, and the owner's attention to detail was evident.

Tang Ruoyao opened the wardrobe, and various little dresses caught her eye. It was indeed the little princess herself. She found a set of pajamas and picked a cream-colored one. The child nodded in agreement.

Everything went smoothly afterward. Tang Ruoyao even read her a bedtime story with Qin Yinong accompanying her.

"Goodnight, Mom. Goodnight, Auntie Tang," the child prepared to close her eyes.

"Goodnight." Qin Yinong kissed the child's forehead.

The child kept her eyes open, not asleep, but also didn't say anything.

Qin Yinong gave Tang Ruoyao a signal with her eyes.

Tang Ruoyao's heart raced, and she moved her lips. After two seconds, she finally spoke, "Goodnight."

She also kissed Ningning's forehead.

Ningning closed her eyes, with a slight smile on her lips.

Qin Yinong took Tang Ruoyao, who was overwhelmed with emotions, outside, turned off the lights, and closed the door.

The elderly people had also gone to sleep, leaving only the two of them in the living room.

Tang Ruoyao suddenly embraced Qin Yinong, in a very urgent manner, holding on and wanting to get closer, step by step, until she pushed Qin Yinong against the wall. Qin Yinong leaned against the wall, reaching back to embrace her, and chuckled, "What are you doing?"

Tang Ruoyao happily rubbed against her like a big dog and laughed, saying, "I'm happy."

Qin Yinong dragged out her words, "I know."

But Tang Ruoyao said, "No, you don't know."

Qin Yinong said, "Then tell me."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't express it accurately with words, so she directly lowered her head and kissed her.

It was impulsive and passionate. In just a few seconds, Qin Yinong was ignited.

She couldn't control the voice that was about to come out, so she pushed Tang Ruoyao's shoulder, but Tang Ruoyao held on, and Qin Yinong could only hold back. Her five fingers tightened on the fabric of Tang Ruoyao's shoulder.

As their lips parted, their foreheads touched.

Qin Yinong gasped for breath and said, "Yao... Yao..."

Tang Ruoyao's eyes were dark, and she lightly pecked her swollen lips, releasing her.

She conveniently went to the kitchen to pour water.

Qin Yinong thought for a moment and followed her in. Tang Ruoyao propped herself on the countertop, still adjusting her breathing softly. When she heard the movement, she looked over, her eyes still holding remnants of desire.

Qin Yinong lightly bit her lip, as if making a determined decision, and looked up, saying, "Yaoyao, if you really..."

Tang Ruoyao interrupted her, saying, "Let's talk about it when you're better."

Qin Yinong said, "The doctor said I can't, not that you can't. You..." Her face grew redder, and her voice quieter, "Just exercise some self-control, it should be... fine."

Tang Ruoyao asked her, "When was the last time we...?"

Qin Yinong seriously tried to recall. If counting formally, it had been over a year ago.

She fell silent all of a sudden.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but smile and said teasingly, "Do you really think that once we start, I'll let you off so easily?"

Qin Yinong: "..."

"Take good care of yourself." Tang Ruoyao handed her a glass of water and said calmly, "Don't overthink it. We'll have plenty of time in the future."

Qin Yinong held the water with both hands, lowered her head, and obediently said, "Oh," at the first sentence, but by the last sentence, her ears couldn't help but turn red.

Once Tang Ruoyao had recovered, she held Qin Yinong's hand and went upstairs, changing the subject, "Your mother probably wanted me to address her differently earlier."

Qin Yinong made a sound of agreement.

Tang Ruoyao asked, "What do you think?"

Qin Yinong lowered her gaze for a long time and said, "Let's see."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Okay, I'll follow your lead."

Qin Yinong suddenly emphasized, "You'll listen to everything I say?"

Tang Ruoyao turned her head to look at her, blinked her eyelashes, and said without hesitation, "Of course."

Qin Yinong reached out and pinched her face, smiling like a fox.

A strange feeling slowly emerged in Tang Ruoyao's heart, but she couldn't think of anything that Qin Yinong needed her to listen to.

They each took a shower and snuggled under the covers together.

Qin Yinong turned on the bedside lamp, took a book, and read with a serene expression.

Tang Ruoyao reached for one of her hands, played with it in her palm, and gently pinched each slender and fair finger. She rested her head on Qin Yinong's shoulder and said, "I want to bring my father to the capital. There's no one left at home. What do you think?"

"Okay, I'll arrange for a transfer to another hospital." Qin Yinong turned a page in her book and said casually.

Tang Ruoyao remained silent.

Qin Yinong thought of something, put down her book, flipped it over, and looked at Tang Ruoyao, asking earnestly, "Am I interfering too much in your affairs? If you want to handle it on your own, you can just let me know. I won't mind."

She had heard that couples also needed their independent space. Qin Yinong didn't need it herself, but if Tang Ruoyao wanted it, she could step back a bit.

"It's not that," Tang Ruoyao explained, "You have more resources at your disposal, so it's definitely more convenient for you. Besides, we don't need to draw boundaries between us. It doesn't matter who does what. I'm just..."

She sighed.

Qin Yinong asked, "What is it?"

Tang Ruoyao hesitated and said, "What about Tang Fei?"

Tang Fei had already started school officially, and with Fang Cheng around, he had integrated well into the new school. Midterm exams were approaching. However, he was still a young teenager, alone in an unfamiliar city, attending school on his own. Tang Ruoyao was already busy, and she could only find time to see him twice a month at best. During Qin Yinong's recent illness, she practically lived in the hospital, and Tang Fei had seen the news online and asked her about it. He knew she was busy, so he considerately didn't disturb her.

Now that Tang Ruoyao had a family of her own and a harmonious home, the thought of Tang Fei being alone made her feel uneasy.

But should she bring Tang Fei here?

It sounded even more absurd.

Tang Fei was not her son, that was one thing, and conveniently Qin Yinong had a daughter. But Tang Fei was her younger brother. What would Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang think? Which daughter-in-law would bring her brother-in-law into the family?

Qin Yinong wasn't as conflicted as her and asked directly, "What day is it today?"

Tang Ruoyao glanced at her phone and said, "Thursday."

Qin Yinong said, "How about inviting Tang Fei over for a meal this Saturday?"

Tang Ruoyao was dumbfounded.

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's wrong?"

Even though there were no outsiders here, Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but lower her voice and said, "How do I explain it to your mother?"

Qin Yinong said inexplicably, "Just tell her that your younger brother is coming over for a meal. After all, he's your family. Is there a problem with inviting him to have a meal?"

Tang Ruoyao: "And what about after that?"

Qin Yinong understood and hugged Tang Ruoyao, pulling her into her embrace and smiling, "Let's see how they get along. If everyone, including Tang Fei, is willing, we can have Tang Fei move in here. We can then return the other house and not worry about Aunt Guang taking care of us. We have a driver at home who can pick him up and drop him off for school, and it will be convenient for you to see him regularly."

Tang Ruoyao suddenly didn't know what to say. The question that was weighing on her heart was resolved in just a few words by Qin Yinong. So naturally, Qin Yinong included Tang Fei as part of her own family.

So Tang Ruoyao opened her mouth and asked a somewhat meaningless question, "Tang Fei is my... younger brother."

She emphasized the word "my."

Qin Yinong gently stroked her long hair and softly said, "You are my girlfriend."

Author's Note:

Tang Fei: Sister finally remembered me, wuwuwu.

This family is becoming more and more complete.The complete sentence at the beginning from Miss Yao is: "Sister, I want to 'doi' with you." ["doi" is a slang term often used in online communities, that refers to engaging in intimate or romantic activities.]

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