CHAPTER 165

"I can help you, but I have one condition." Ji Yunyao whispered to Qin Yinong, avoiding Ningning.

Qin Yinong's expression slightly froze. "Go ahead, tell me."

Ji Yunyao felt more at ease with a condition. Otherwise, why would she help her for no reason? At the same time, Qin Yinong pondered in her mind, what did she want from her?

"The condition is..." Ji Yunyao dragged out her words, her gaze firmly locked onto Qin Yinong, trying to see any trace of nervousness or even ripples deep within her eyes. Unfortunately, this little aunt was impervious to her teasing. Ji Yunyao gave up on her plan and spoke truthfully, "Say a few good words about me in front of Ningning."

Ji Yunyao didn't need to think twice. If it weren't for her occasionally coming to see Qin Jianing, Qin Yinong would prefer Qin Jianing to stay far away from her. It would be nice if she didn't badmouth her behind her back.

"Such as?"

"You figure it out."

"..."

"I trust you, sister." Ji Yunyao stared at her affectionately.

No matter how composed Qin Yinong was, she couldn't help but feel a layer of goosebumps rising from Ji Yunyao's words. "Is that all?"

Ji Yunyao shrugged. "That's all."

Qin Yinong wouldn't give her what she wanted, and she didn't want anything from those who didn't want to give it to her.

Ji Yunyao wasn't always in a playful mood. At least for now, she wanted to be quiet for a while.

No one is born wanting to be a neurotic that everyone fears and trembles at the mention of. But if you don't bite others, they will bite you. Instead of letting herself be wronged, it's better to subdue others first. It would be best if they felt terrified and helpless upon seeing her, without a trace of resistance in their minds.

Qin Yinong narrowed her eyes, seemingly calculating if Ji Yunyao had any ulterior motives.

Ji Yunyao leaned closer, her nose almost touching Qin Yinong's, her red lips teasingly parted. "Or maybe you want to give me more?"

Qin Yinong's neck hairs stood up.

She took a step back and spoke coldly, "Deal."

Ji Yunyao burst into laughter. "Hahaha."

Her laughter was also unusual, either exaggerated laughter, an enigmatic half-smile that left people puzzled, or the cold smirk similar to Li Yichuan's, making people feel uneasy and wary, wondering if she was planning some sinister move.

Apart from Ningning, her eyes curved, her teeth were snow-white, making her look like a wealthy young lady in her early twenties, proud and elegant, with a hint of rare innocence in her smile.

Qin Yinong took a few steps back, and Tang Ruoyao nervously pulled her aside. "What did she say to you?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Nothing."

After reassuring Tang Ruoyao, Qin Yinong repeated Ji Yunyao's words. Tang Ruoyao expressed the same question as Qin Yinong, "Is that all?"

Qin Yinong nodded and whispered, "Let's take it step by step."

She patted Tang Ruoyao's hand, and Tang Ruoyao held her hand in return, asking her, "Are you tired? Do you want to sit for a while?"

Qin Yinong nodded and sat down on the sofa.

Tang Ruoyao gently pressed her shoulder and arm with one hand.

Ji Yunyao, who was watching the scene, observed everything, but no one noticed the complex emotions in her eyes, the surging tide that eventually settled on their interlocked hands.

Ji Yunyao lowered her eyelids, a faint curve appearing on her lips.

Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang were cooking in the kitchen, Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao occupied one sofa, while Ji Yunyao and Ningning sat on the other, the longest one. Ji Yunyao rubbed her belly against Ningning's smooth cheek and said, "Sister, I want to take Ningning to Disneyland next week, is that okay?"

Qin Yinong said, "Don't let anyone recognize you."

Ji Yunyao chuckled, "I'm not you. My face isn't so outstanding in front of the entire nation. Taking a little girl won't attract attention. Besides, I'll hire bodyguards to reserve the place, so there won't be any unwanted people around."

Qin Yinong looked at Ningning and asked gently, "Do you want to go?"

Ningning pursed her lips and whispered, "I want to go with Mom, is that okay?" She had been living in the love of both parents recently, feeling incredibly happy and wanting to express her nature.

Qin Yinong was surprised by Qin Jianing's proactive request.

Qin Yinong chose her words carefully and politely refused, "Mom has work."

Ningning tried her best not to show disappointment on her face and said maturely, "I understand."

Ji Yunyao sneered and ruthlessly countered, "What work does she have? She's lying to you. An adult who has the audacity to deceive a child?"

Qin Yinong: "You..."

Ji Yunyao casually said, "Be careful, you might not be discovered." Her tone was contemptuous as she directly accused, "You and Tang Ruoyao have been together for so long without being discovered, right? You have the ability to fall in love, but you can't play with a child?"

Qin Yinong was accustomed to her condescending attitude. Although she felt a slight discomfort, she didn't show it on her face. Instead, Tang Ruoyao and Ningning spoke up.

Tang Ruoyao said coldly, "Miss Ji, choose your words wisely."

Ningning puffed her cheeks and spoke in a childish voice, "Don't say bad things about my mom."

Ji Yunyao stared at Qin Yinong and said, "I'm just stating the objective fact. Someone who only gives birth but doesn't raise a child doesn't deserve to be called a mother."

Ningning became unhappy. She jumped off Ji Yunyao's lap, and surprisingly, Ji Yunyao didn't immediately go to comfort her. Her gaze remained fixed on Qin Yinong's face, specifically on her eyes, with a sharp and cold look.

Qin Yinong felt a light bump on her knee and looked down. It was Ningning hugging her, her eyes soft as she said, "Mom, don't listen to what big sister says."

"No, she's not talking nonsense." Suddenly, a light illuminated Qin Yinong's mind, and she slowly smiled. "Mom has decided to go to Disneyland with you."

What was she afraid of? Afraid that those unscrupulous media would capture her and Ningning and write another distorted story? This was her life, her daughter. Why should she care about the opinions of strangers?

She had been trapped by her past, confined within her own world, not taking a step outside. Who knew what the world truly looked like? Perhaps it wasn't as terrifying as she had imagined.

She turned her head and looked at Tang Ruoyao and herself. They, as a family, should stand in the sunlight, authentically and happily.

Ningning cheered with joy and kept asking, "Is it true? Is it true?"

Qin Yinong smiled and said, "It's true."

Ningning: "Thank you, Mom!"

Ji Yunyao cleared her throat. "Ahem."

Ningning stared at her for a few seconds before saying, "Thank you, Big sister." After a pause, she earnestly added, "But I'm still unhappy when you say bad things about my mom. I hope big sister won't do it again."

Ji Yunyao raised her hand and guaranteed, "There won't be a next time." It lacked sincerity, but it was enough to deceive a child.

The three of them were overjoyed, finally looking like a true family ready to go on a trip.

Auntie Tang, who had been forgotten, felt deeply hurt.

Qin Yinong pulled Ningning's shoulder and directed her gaze towards the injured Auntie Tang. Ningning took a step forward and invited, "Auntie Tang, would you like to accompany me to Disneyland if you have time?"

Tang Ruoyao nodded happily.

Ji Yunyao, who appeared out of nowhere, had a blank expression as she said, "Did I agree?"

Ningning was smart enough to know who had the final say. She turned around and asked, "Sister, can I bring Auntie Tang with me?"

Ji Yunyao immediately smiled and said, "Of course you can."

The travel plan was set. They would go to S City Disneyland next Wednesday.

Just during the short time spent with Ji Yunyao, Tang Ruoyao felt how quickly this person's mood could change. There was hardly any reason behind it. Except for her perpetual smile towards Ningning, everything else seemed to depend on her mood. The key was that no one could figure out when she was in a good mood.

It was Ningning's first time going to Disneyland, and she was extremely excited. When she asked about the details inside, it was quite a coincidence that none of the three parents could answer.

Both Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao had significant gaps in their childhoods. They came from ordinary backgrounds and immersed themselves in the entertainment industry when they grew up, so it was normal for them not to have been there. But Ji Yunyao, a wealthy young miss born with a silver spoon in her mouth, had never been there either?

Ji Yunyao seemed to see through the meaning in their eyes and sneered, saying, "I don't like such childish places."

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao exchanged glances and decided to believe her. It didn't matter.

Ji Yunyao made a call to one of her secretaries, a local person from S City. After a few words, she held the phone and asked Ningning, "Do you want to talk to this sister? She has been there many times."

Ningning was shy and pursed her lips, saying, "I'll go and play by myself next week."

Ji Yunyao touched Ningning's little head and hung up the phone.

Ningning suddenly looked at her and gathered her courage, saying, "Sister, can I bring Grandma and Granny Fang with us?"

"..." Ji Yunyao glanced towards the kitchen. Those two old ladies? Wasn't Ji Shulan still limping?

"Sure," she smiled brightly, ready to fulfill any requests.

'In the worst case, I'll bring a medical team.' Ji Yunyao thought to herself.

What was supposed to be a nice outing for the two of them turned into a big family affair. Ji Yunyao found it unbelievable but didn't think there was anything wrong with it. Seeing Ningning's excitement as she bounced around and ran to the kitchen to report, Ji Yunyao couldn't help but smile happily.

......

"Dinner is ready!" Ji Shulan opened the kitchen door and called out.

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao stood up at the same time, including Ningning, who sat back in Ji Yunyao's lap. Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao helped with serving the dishes. Ningning, being small in stature, moved around inside without anyone finding her a hindrance. Instead of asking her to leave, they handed her the lighter empty bowls and instructed her to place them on the table.

Ningning ran quickly.

"Slow down, don't fall." Ji Shulan reminded her with a smile from behind.

"I know, Grandma~"

Laughter and cheerful voices filled the house, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

Unconsciously, Ji Yunyao took a step toward the sound of voices but froze as she lowered her head. After a moment, she calmly turned around and sat at the dining table, resting her chin on her hands, gazing indifferently at everything.

Qin Yinong suddenly had an inexplicable intuition. Just as she turned her head, she met Ji Yunyao's gaze. In the young woman's eyes, there was an emotion that no one could understand, fleeting and elusive. Then a faint smile appeared on her lips, accompanied by that venomous and malicious laughter.

Qin Yinong tilted her head, politely returned a smile, and stopped looking at her.

Everyone took their seats in turn.

Ji Yunyao had strict upbringing and kept silent during meals, only speaking when elders asked her something. If they didn't initiate a conversation, she wouldn't say a word or make a sound. With her silence, others either feared or hesitated around her, thinking it was better to avoid unnecessary trouble and not engage her.

The meal was unusually quiet.

Ningning wasn't accustomed to such a stern atmosphere. She picked up some bamboo shoots with her chopsticks and put them in Ji Yunyao's bowl. Ji Yunyao smiled warmly and scooped a fish ball for her.

"Thank you, sister."

"You're welcome."

Tang Ruoyao's eyes deepened, seemingly lost in thought. She suddenly lowered her eyelashes, unable to hide her astonishment.

After dinner, she took the initiative to stay behind and wash the dishes. She exchanged glances with Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang, indicating them to leave and called Qin Yinong inside. Qin Yinong had already noticed her distraction at the dining table and asked, "What's wrong?"

Tang Ruoyao turned her head to look at Ji Yunyao and Ningning playing together in the living room, her worries deepening. She lowered her voice and said, "Don't you think Ji Yunyao is being overly good to Ningning?"

"I do," Qin Yinong frowned. "So, what's your conclusion?"

"Could she be..." Tang Ruoyao opened her mouth, a knot forming between her eyebrows, and whispered three words.

"Pedo..." Qin Yinong's eyes widened, her voice trailing off, almost silent. "No way, right?" Ji Yunyao was a bit strange, but Qin Yinong had never suspected her of having such a preference. It wouldn't just be a twisted personality, but truly perverse.

"I'm just raising a suspicion, not saying that she is." Tang Ruoyao said. She knew it was mostly groundless worry, but as one of the mothers of the child, she couldn't help but be cautious.

It was only with Qin Yinong that she would voice such baseless speculation.

Ji Yunyao had liked Ningning for a long time, not just for a day or two. Qin Yinong carefully recalled the details of their interactions, and Ji Yunyao's behavior seemed normal. Shaking her head, she denied, "She isn't."

"Good then." Tang Ruoyao breathed a sigh of relief."What are you thinking?" Qin Yinong reached over and playfully pinched her earlobe.

Tang Ruoyao turned her head, bringing her face closer to Qin Yinong's hand, closing her eyes contentedly, and rubbing against it.

Qin Yinong's eyes filled with affectionate gaze, and her movements became gentler.

Tang Ruoyao's interest was piqued. She wiped the water droplets off her hands and brought Qin Yinong into her embrace. The kitchen had blind spots, and if one couldn't see inside from the outside, then the inside was mostly invisible to the outside.

Tang Ruoyao's hands wrapped around Qin Yinong's waist, the two of them in close proximity. If they got a little closer, they could kiss.

Qin Yinong tightened her throat, gazing into Tang Ruoyao's gradually darkening amber eyes. Her thin lips moved, and she said, "Be careful not to be seen."

"It won't happen." Tang Ruoyao tilted her face and kissed her, the two of them sharing a quiet and soundless kiss.

It didn't go deep, but their hearts beat unusually fast.

Qin Yinong had her back to the door, and this kiss felt like a secret affair, bringing her an unusually intense thrill. Tang Ruoyao let go of her, and she immediately nervously turned around, finding no one behind her.

Tang Ruoyao opened her closed eyes, feeling nervous as well, but seeing Qin Yinong's adorable reaction, she couldn't help but curve her lips.

After Tang Ruoyao finished tidying up, the two of them left together.

Ji Yunyao was studying with Ningning. Ji Yunyao read while Ningning listened. She held the book in her hands and narrated it in a gentle voice. Sunlight streamed through the French windows, casting a warm glow on her, and her expression was calm and peaceful. Anyone who saw her would be surprised because Ji Yunyao could also have such a pure and innocent side.

They heard footsteps approaching, and Ji Yunyao finished reading the passage before raising her head to look at one of the two people — Tang Ruoyao, with a playful expression.

Tang Ruoyao didn't avoid her gaze and met her eyes directly.

Ji Yunyao raised her voice playfully and started chatting, "Isn't it interesting that my name has the character 'Yao,' and your name, Aunt Tang, has the character 'Yao' too?"

Tang Ruoyao only realized after hearing two sentences who she was referring to.

Ji Yunyao looked at the well-behaved Ningning sitting there and pointed to her own smooth and fair chin, smiling as she asked, "Darling, do you prefer that Yaoyao or do you prefer me?"

Qin Yinong's nerves instantly tensed, and the joints of her fingers by her side clenched slightly.

Her intuition told her that if Ningning answered Tang Ruoyao, Ji Yunyao would definitely act against Tang Ruoyao.

Qin Yinong had never expected that one day, Ningning's words would influence Tang Ruoyao's fate.

Ningning lowered her head and seriously pondered for a few seconds. Then she lifted her face and said strangely, "Auntie Tang is an auntie, and you are a sister, why do we have to compare? I like both of you, I like you the same."

"What if I insist on a comparison?" Ji Yunyao glanced at Qin Yinong, whose face had turned stiff, and raised an eyebrow, revealing that Tang Ruoyao was her weak spot, forgetting to conceal it.

"No comparison, no comparison," Ningning acted stubbornly. "I'm tired, I want to sleep."

She wasn't foolish. Apart from answering truthfully in front of her mom, she couldn't tell the truth to anyone else.

Ji Yunyao burst into laughter.

Qin Yinong's ring finger trembled, and she supported Tang Ruoyao's arm with one hand, slowly relaxing.

Tang Ruoyao had no idea what kind of heart-pounding experience she had just gone through. She thought she was tired and helped her sit on the couch.

"How are you feeling?"

"Pour me a glass of water." Qin Yinong felt mentally exhausted.

She wasn't particularly afraid of Ji Yunyao herself, even if Ji Yunyao was determined to oppose her, at most, it would only harm her alone. She was afraid that Ji Yunyao would target Tang Ruoyao, just like last time.

Dealing with Li Yichuan had already given her a headache, and now having to deal with the unpredictable Ji Yunyao added to her frustration.

Qin Yinong took a sip of water, forcing her tangled and chaotic mind, disturbed by Ji Yunyao multiple times, to calm down and form a clear train of thought. Although Ji Yunyao was unpredictable, Qin Yinong was no fool. She had interacted with Ji Yunyao multiple times, and the true intentions of the other party were not hidden from her.

At every gathering at the Ji family, she acted as if Ji Yunyao didn't exist.

When she visited the Qin family to see Ningning, she was polite and distant towards Qin Yinong, occasionally expressing closeness.

On Jiang Laosheng's birthday banquet, she sensed Ji Yunyao's discontent.

During the dinner with Li Yichuan, she felt the hostility.

Qin Yinong could sense it all.

And today, it was neither of the latter two, but closer to the second one, indicating that Ji Yunyao didn't want to cause trouble, just playing a prank.

Qin Yinong raised a finger and massaged her temples.

......

"Little aunt, how high does one have to climb to be satisfied?"

"Naturally, one climbs as high as they can."

"Is fame and fortune so alluring?"

"How do you know that everyone is pursuing fame and fortune?"

"Then what are they pursuing?"

"For self-preservation."

Ji Yunyao stood by the window of a guest room on the first floor, holding a glass of red wine in her hand. Her slender fingers, with distinct joints, touched the cold glass as she quietly gazed at the red liquid inside. Her fingers lightly swayed, causing the wine to ripple, and Qin Yinong's expression from that day reappeared in her mind through the wine.

That sense of aloofness, the inherent indifference. She appeared fragile and easily defeated, but she was stubbornly unbreakable.

Ji Yunyao chuckled self-mockingly. She had thought that Qin Yinong was only interested in personal gain and would stop at nothing, but she didn't expect that what she said was actually true.

For self-preservation.

She not only investigated Li Yichuan's grudge, but also everything about her since her debut. Some people gamble because they enjoy it, while others gamble because they have nothing to lose. The former was her, and the latter was Qin Yinong.

No wonder she couldn't compare to her.

Not only could she not win against her in gambling, but in other aspects as well... If she were in Qin Yinong's position, she might not have survived to this day.

She only admired the strong, and Qin Yinong was undoubtedly someone she admired. Moreover, she was a member of the Ji family and Ningning's mother.

She tilted the rim of the glass, allowing the red liquid to flow into her rosy lips. Ji Yunyao finished the red wine in her hand and picked up the wine bottle on the windowsill, intending to pour another glass.

A soft knocking sound came from the door.

Ji Yunyao raised an eyebrow and said, "Come in."

Qin Yinong entered the room, pushing the door open.

Ji Yunyao looked behind her and asked, "Didn't you bring your little girlfriend with you?"

Qin Yinong closed the door behind her and calmly replied, "Didn't you tell me to come alone?"

Ji Yunyao blinked and said, "Do you have to follow everything I say?"

Here we go again. Qin Yinong didn't feel like playing these word games with her. She got straight to the point and said, "Do you have something to discuss with me?"

Ji Yunyao showed a pitiful expression of being abandoned, and Qin Yinong couldn't help but feel a chill. Ji Yunyao observed her expression and burst into laughter.

Qin Yinong said, "If you have nothing to say, I'll leave."

"Speak." Ji Yunyao picked up an empty wine glass and said, "Talk while drinking."

Qin Yinong declined, "I have a weak stomach, can't drink."

Ji Yunyao said, "Didn't you drink with Li Yichuan last time you were together?"

Qin Yinong ignored the dissatisfaction in her tone and coolly replied, "Yes, after drinking, I went to the hospital. I had just come out of the hospital before we started drinking."

Ji Yunyao paused for a moment and burst into laughter again.

It wasn't intentional on her part, but this situation did sound funny.

Qin Yinong stared at her expressionlessly.

"Forget it, I have to go out next week." Ji Yunyao had finished laughing and poured herself another glass. She took a sip, licking her lips. "The vintage of this wine is good. No wonder everyone says you have a taste for wine."

"Everyone?" Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow. Had her reputation spread so far?

Ji Yunyao smiled and pointed at herself. "Me."

Qin Yinong: "..." What a lunatic!

She quietly waited for Ji Yunyao to finish her nonsense before she heard her get to the point. "Why did you have dinner with Li Yichuan that day?"

Qin Yinong asked in return, "Don't you know?"

Ji Yunyao pretended to be clueless, shaking her head. "I don't know."

Qin Yinong evaded, "It was a business collaboration."

Ji Yunyao waved the red wine in her glass and smirked, "Collaboration? Are you talking about that one-sided deal where you gave in and Li Yichuan made outrageous demands? Are you out of your mind? Who does business like that in this world?"

Qin Yinong replied, "It's none of your concern."

Ji Yunyao chuckled and said, "Then is Tang Ruoyao also none of your concern?"

Qin Yinong saw no reason to argue with her and said, "Didn't you promise to help me deal with Li Yichuan?"

Ji Yunyao found it the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard and sneered, "I only agreed to help you deal with bad people. Did I say that person was Li Yichuan? Li Yichuan is someone my father has to think twice before making a move against, let alone me."

Qin Yinong coldly laughed.

She had said this person wouldn't have good intentions.

But Ji Yunyao's tone suddenly changed, and she raised her voice. "My father may not dare, but I do. I'll help you take care of Li Yichuan if you agree to one condition."

Qin Yinong had no trust in her. "I don't feel safe making a deal with you."

Ji Yunyao said, "That's easy. I'll deal with him first, and then you can fulfill your promise."

Qin Yinong genuinely didn't understand her and asked, "Aren't you afraid I'll back out?"

Ji Yunyao affirmed, "You won't." She grinned, revealing her white teeth. "I trust you." Pausing for a moment, she added, "And if you do back out, I'll personally deliver him to you."

Qin Yinong pondered for a moment and asked, "What do you want?"

Ji Yunyao lightly opened her red lips and said, "I want Tang Ruoyao."

Qin Yinong: "..."

Ji Yunyao earnestly continued, "As long as you give her to me, whether it's Li Yichuan or Tao Yichuan, I won't let anyone block your path. And your father, Qin Hongjian, I know where he is. Just say the word, and I'll bring him to you, tied up and ready for you to deal with. If you're afraid of getting your hands dirty, I can do it for you too."

Qin Yinong couldn't be bothered to spare her a glance and turned to walk away.

Ji Yunyao called after her, "Hey, I was just kidding."

Qin Yinong paused but didn't turn back.

Ji Yunyao changed her tone, "Let's make a different deal. I don't want her anymore."

Qin Yinong turned around, standing still. She spoke coldly, "Speak."

Ji Yunyao grinned, "I want you."

This lunatic.

Qin Yinong took a deep breath, opened the door, and just as she was about to leave, Ji Yunyao hurriedly stepped forward and pressed the door shut. Startled, Qin Yinong quickly stepped back, as if afraid Ji Yunyao would touch her. Unbeknownst to her, Ji Yunyao also took a step back at the same time.

Ji Yunyao raised her hands in a surrendering gesture, "Both of the previous options were jokes. I've already told you my condition before. Say a few good words for me in front of Ningning, and I'll help you deal with Li Yichuan. And if you need help with other things in the future, you can come to me."

She said, "A word spoken is past recalling."

Qin Yinong didn't say anything, but her expression was enough to convey her speechlessness: Why did you waste so many words?

Ji Yunyao blinked her eyes, unexpectedly acting a bit obedient, "Ningning is asleep, and I'm bored."

Qin Yinong asked, "Still bored?"

Ji Yunyao nodded.

Qin Yinong said, "Then entertain yourself. I won't accompany you."

Ji Yunyao complied, "Okay."

Qin Yinong cast a suspicious glance at her and walked toward the door.

Ji Yunyao didn't stop her anymore but called out, "Xiaogu."

[Xiaogu is a Chinese term of endearment or familiarity, similar to "little cousin" or little sister." In the conversation, Ji Yunyao is using it as a nickname or affectionate term for Qin Yinong.]

Qin Yinong turned around.

Ji Yunyao looked deeply at her.

I lost.

She smiled and said, "It's nothing. Does your media company, Ping'an, need funding? I happen to have some spare money."

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