CHAPTER 168
Tang Ruoyao's mind went blank. From head to toe, she stiffened inch by inch, standing still like a wooden log.
Slowly, she turned her head and looked down at Ningning, who was sitting on the ground.
"Are you... calling me?" she asked cautiously.
Ning Ning lifted her head from the calligraphy book and said, "What?"
Tang Ruoyao squatted down, nervously looking at her, and gently asked, "Mommy... were you calling me?"
Qin Yinong was walking ahead of her and now turned back, looking puzzled.
She was farther away and didn't hear Ningning say, "Mommy."
Ningning pointed to the calligraphy book.
Tang Ruoyao followed her finger and saw, within a page of large and round childlike handwriting, the sharp strokes of the word "Mommy" appeared abruptly. It was the word she had written last night.Originally, Tang Ruoyao had planned to teach Ningning how to write the word the next day and trick her into reading it, then gradually explain its meaning and suggest that she could call her that. But now, the child had preemptively called her out so suddenly. She felt like she was experiencing altitude sickness, lacking oxygen, with an accelerated heartbeat and difficulty breathing. She couldn't remember any plans.
Ning Ning asked crisply, "Auntie Tang, did you write these two words?"
Tang Ruoyao felt publicly humiliated, heat rushing to her face, which instantly turned completely red. She was so embarrassed that she wished she could find a hole to hide in.
Qin Yinong took the calligraphy book from Ningning's hand, looked at it, and quickly understood all the logical connections. No wonder Tang Ruoyao had been at odds with this book last night. So that's it...
A hint of amusement flickered in her eyes.
Ningning continued, "Mom's handwriting looks much worse than this."
Qin Yinong: "..."
Was she her biological mother? Although she wasn't, could she show some face for the years of care and upbringing she had given her?
From another perspective, the sensible Ningning had long known not to let others speak ill of her mother. She wouldn't say anything bad about her mother in front of others either. Ji Shulan was a vivid example. Only Tang Ruoyao, on more than one occasion, had undermined Qin Yinong in her presence, indicating that she subconsciously classified Tang Ruoyao into a closer circle.
This teasing remark allowed Tang Ruoyao to free herself from the awkward situation to some extent, and she breathed a sigh of relief.
"Yes, I wrote it," she tried her best to ignore the nervousness, maintaining a gentle and instructive tone, and patiently said, "Does Ningning know what these two characters mean?"
"I know."
"Then, can you tell Auntie Tang?"
"Auntie Tang doesn't know?" Ning Ning blinked her long eyelashes and glanced at her.
Tang Ruoyao put on a brave face and said, "I don't know."
Qin Yinong couldn't help but turn her head and stifled a laugh, covering her mouth.
Ningning explained in a childish voice, "It means the same as 'mom.' Some kids call their moms 'mom,' but others call them 'mommy.'"
Tang Ruoyao started digging a hole for herself, "Can both be used?"
Ning Ning said, "Yes."
Tang Ruoyao asked, "If a child has two moms, like me..." She cleared her throat, opened her mouth several times but hesitated to use herself and Qin Yinong as an example, so she said, "For example, in families with same-sex couples, do you know what 'union' means?"
"Marriage," Ningning accurately gave the definition, even more fitting than Tang Ruoyao's intention.
Tang Ruoyao: "..."
Oh no, is she going to be mocked for her lack of intelligence by a child again?
Qin Yinong had already informed her privately. In the beginning, Ningning always thought she was silly and slow, which was why she couldn't develop a favorable impression of her.
Tang Ruoyao quickly moved on to the next topic, "So if there are two moms, they must differentiate their names. She would call one of them 'mom' and what would she call the other?"
Ning Ning said clearly, "Mommy."
Tang Ruoyao couldn't handle it anymore. She felt a bit dizzy and her lips unconsciously curled upwards.
She paused and said, "Your mom and I... um... will... get married in the future, so..." She blinked her eyes, her ears turning red, implying as clearly as possible.
However, Ningning showed no reaction at all.
A moment of awkward silence ensued.
Tang Ruoyao felt both embarrassed and humiliated, hiding a trace of heartache from being rejected so ruthlessly.
Perhaps... she didn't understand what I meant? Tang Ruoyao tried to console herself with this thought.
Qin Yinong patted her shoulder.
Tang Ruoyao turned her head to look at her.
Qin Yinong reminded her in a low voice, "She should take her nap now."
"Oh oh." Tang Ruoyao responded slowly, getting up and making way.
Qin Yinong led Ningning back to the room, while Tang Ruoyao looked embarrassed and didn't have the face to follow. She watched the mother and daughter leave.
Ningning lowered her eyes, staring at the tips of her shoes. She moved her neck a few times, wanting to look back, but restrained herself. Qin Yinong noticed all her abnormalities and narrowed her eyes slightly.
Ningning changed into her pajamas and lay down on the princess bed. Qin Yinong lowered the canopy for her but didn't leave. She sat on the edge of the bed, and in their pink little world, there were only the two of them.
Qin Yinong gently touched Ning Ning's head and asked, "Did you understand what Auntie Tang said?"
Ningning pursed her lips and nodded.
Qin Yinong spoke softly, "Don't be afraid. Mom doesn't mean to blame you. I just want to talk to you."
Ningning slowly loosened her clenched little fist and leaned towards her a bit.
Qin Yinong decided to bring her into her arms, along with the blanket. Ning Ning hugged her mommy's arm with both hands.
Qin Yinong tenderly said, "Do you like Auntie Tang?"
Ning Ning said, "I like her."
Qin Yinong asked, "How much do you like her?"
Ning Ning said, "I want her to stay with us forever, with mom and me."
Qin Yinong asked, "Do you want to call her mommy?"
Ningning didn't answer immediately. After a while, she said softly, "I'm not close to Auntie Tang yet. I need more time to get to know her. And..."
"And what?" Qin Yinong leaned closer to her.
"She hasn't married you yet." Ning Ning unexpectedly said.
Qin Yinong felt a little warmth on her face inexplicably. "We're preparing for it." she said.
Ning Ning looked puzzled. "Then why don't you and Auntie Tang wear rings? Married people usually wear rings." She reached out her hand from under the blanket and pointed to the position of her ring finger.
"Rings..." Qin Yinong felt embarrassed. "We're preparing for that too."
Ning Ning responded with an "Oh."
Qin Yinong said, "So you don't mind calling her mommy, right? 'Mindy' means dislike."
Ning Ning said, "I don't dislike it, so has she proposed to you yet?"
Qin Yinong replied, "...Not yet."
Ning Ning sighed and said, "Mom."
Qin Yinong was unaware of her own humble appearance while listening and imparting her teachings.
Ningning had a strange expression and said, "Auntie Tang hasn't even proposed, and you're already planning to marry her?"
Qin Yinong sensed her daughter's implicit dissatisfaction and adjusted her expression before asking, "Both mom and Auntie Tang are women, so why should she propose to me? Why shouldn't I propose to her?"
Ningning couldn't come up with an answer.
Children naturally distinguish between beauty and ugliness, but their understanding of good and evil, as well as their perception of the world, values, and life views, are all nurtured after birth.
Qin Yinong taught her, "Regardless of whether it's a man and a woman, two men, or two women like Auntie Tang and me, no one's role is predefined. It's not just men pursuing women, and it's not just men proposing to women. Age and gender don't determine your position in this relationship. Auntie Tang and I love and care for each other, and it doesn't matter who proposes."
Ningning's eyes brightened. "So, in the future, if I meet someone I like, regardless of whether they're a boy or a girl, can I pursue them? Can I protect them and propose to them?"
Although such words sounded strange coming from the mouth of a four-year-old, Qin Yinong still said seriously, "Yes, you can pursue anyone, as long as it doesn't go against morals and laws. Mom supports you."
She wasn't a brave person, but she hoped her daughter would be.
Ningning yawned.
Qin Yinong smiled at her. "Are you going to sleep now?"
"Sleeping." Ning Ning climbed down from her lap, her long hair flowing loosely as she obediently rested her head on the small pillow, holding the blanket above her with both hands. "Good afternoon, mom."
"Good afternoon."
Qin Yinong leaned over and kissed her on both cheeks, and Ning Ning wrapped her arms around her neck, planting a soft kiss on Qin Yinong's forehead.
As she lay back down and closed her eyes, she was still smiling.
Qin Yinong tucked her in, stood at the door, and glanced at the little princess sleeping peacefully in her castle. The corners of her eyes gently lifted.
She quietly left the room, preparing to attend to her beloved queen.
The queen herself was sitting on the sofa, with Fang Yi and Ji Shulan in front of her, and her younger brother, Tang Fei, by her side.
According to tradition, when the two families meet, they should enjoy some tea and have a casual chat to establish a connection. It would be impolite to skip this step, regardless of the topic. Tang Ruoyao was multitasking, dealing with the meeting on one hand and focusing most of her attention on the closed bedroom door.
Qin Yinong came out, giving her a teasing look.
Tang Ruoyao stared straight at her as she approached.
Qin Yinong walked up to her and naturally sat on the empty seat beside her, casually asking everyone, "Have you all been chatting for a while now?" The position of the head of the family was especially prominent.
Ji Shulan was talking to Tang Fei about some of Qin Yinong's past, intending to prove that her daughter was a good child, honest and reliable, and would definitely not mistreat her sister. However, the past was very unbearable for Ji Shulan, even more so than Aunt Fang's words. When Qin Yinong spoke like this, it provided an opportunity to change the topic, and Ji Shulan said, "We've chatted enough."
Qin Yinong asked Tang Fei, "Do you have a habit of taking afternoon naps? We've prepared a guest room."
Tang Fei knew her sister was in a difficult situation and readily replied, "Yes, Sister-in-law."
Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow.
Tang Ruoyao placed one hand behind Tang Fei and pinched him hard.
Tang Fei clenched his teeth, his expression twisted. Although he didn't speak, the look in his eyes clearly said to Qin Yinong, "Sister-in-law, quickly look at her!"
Qin Yinong chuckled softly.
"Alright, Yaoyao."
As Qin Yinong called her, Tang Ruoyao quickly withdrew her hand and sat upright.
Qin Yinong's gaze softened, restraining the overflowing tenderness in her heart for the time being. She took Tang Fei to the guest room and prepared freshly washed and sun-dried cotton pajamas for him. The style was simple and elegant, without any unnecessary patterns, the type most teenage boys would like.
Tang Fei hugged the pajamas and indeed liked them. "Thank you, Sister-in-law."
"No need to thank me. If you wake up, feel free to move around. Don't treat yourself as an outsider. If you go out to the courtyard, remember to send a message to your sister or me. We'll worry if we can't find you."
"I understand."
"Rest well."
"See you later, Sister-in-law."
"Hmm." Qin Yinong walked to the door, then turned back suddenly and asked, "Can you swim?"
"I can swim a little."
"There's a swimming pool in the backyard. Shall I have someone prepare swim trunks for you?"
"I'll buy them myself when I have the time. Thank you, Sister-in-law." Tang Fei's handsome face blushed slightly. Although he called Qin Yinong "Sister-in-law" repeatedly, Qin Yinong was still of the opposite sex and an exceptionally beautiful one at that. It felt somewhat embarrassing to talk about such close-fitting clothing.
Qin Yinong didn't push him, nodded slightly, and left.
Everyone, young and old, went back to their rooms. Qin Yinong turned around and found Tang Ruoyao standing in front of her, looking pitiful with clear eyes.
Now that there was no one else around, Qin Yinong smiled, allowing her affection and love to show in her eyes. She raised her hand and gently rubbed her girlfriend's long hair, speaking in a gentle tone, "What's wrong?"
Tang Ruoyao nestled in her arms, rubbing her face against Qin Yinong's chest and whimpered, "Baby, I'm having a hard time."
Qin Yinong was melted by her act of coquetry. She held her and went upstairs, entering the bedroom before asking, "Why do you say that?"
Tang Ruoyao counted on her fingers and babbled nonsense, "Look, Ningning ignores me, and the way I acted at the dining table, even Tang Fei is teaming up with you, they're all against me."
Qin Yinong: "..."
She understood that Tang Ruoyao was finding ways to get close to her. So, without addressing the first two points for now, she directly asked about the third one, "How did Tang Fei team up against you? Calling me sister-in-law?"
Tang Ruoyao's long eyelashes trembled for a moment, and she stopped rubbing against Qin Yinong.
She held her breath, waiting for Qin Yinong's response.
Qin Yinong kissed the tip of her nose and whispered, "Aren't I his sister-in-law?"
"...Yes." Tang Ruoyao's lips silently curled upwards.
"Yaoyao..." Qin Yinong's voice lowered, revealing a slight huskiness.
Tang Ruoyao felt a cool finger supporting her chin, slowly lifting her face. She raised her eyelids, and her amber-like clear eyes deeply gazed into the woman's black eyes.
Inside those eyes, there was depth and profoundness, like an eternal night, but with a hint of sparkling light.
It was the reflection of Tang Ruoyao in her irises.
Tang Ruoyao closed her eyes.
Qin Yinong leaned in for a kiss.
Qin Yinong's lips were soft. Whether it was initiated by her or received passively, Tang Ruoyao's first impression was that. Then came the sweetness, like eating a piece of cotton candy, no, like consuming a whole jar of honey.
Do people's lips have a taste? Why were hers so sweet?
Tang Ruoyao, following the trend during her adolescence, had read several romance novels. They were filled with various beautiful descriptions of kissing. Tang Ruoyao couldn't remember exactly how they were written, but every time, she hoped that Qin Yinong wouldn't stop and that they would continue kissing like that.
Qin Yinong's fingertips were cool as they gently caressed Tang Ruoyao's cheek.
After a long while.
This prolonged kiss lacked much desire, but both of them felt immense sweetness and satisfaction from it. This was the magic of love.
Tang Ruoyao snuggled in her embrace, her heart pounding.
Qin Yinong used her fingers to comb through Tang Ruoyao's long hair, slowly and gently pulling at her scalp with each stroke. Tang Ruoyao's heart tingled, as if an invisible electric current surged through her. It manifested externally as involuntary trembling, and she blurted out, "Don't."
Qin Yinong paused, "Hmm? What don't you want?"
Tang Ruoyao pushed her hair aside and whispered, "Don't play with my hair."
Qin Yinong stifled a laugh.
Qin Yinong asked, "Can I hold your hand?"
Tang Ruoyao cautiously touched her hand, not feeling it too intensely, and said, "Yes."
So they lay side by side on the bed, holding hands and shoulders. Qin Yinong said, "I talked to Ningning at noon about you wanting her to change how she addresses you."
Tang Ruoyao felt a bit embarrassed, "What did she say?"
Qin Yinong skipped the part about the proposal and said, "She said she's not familiar with you yet and needs more time to get to know you."
"I see," Tang Ruoyao regretted, "I shouldn't have..."
"Did you write it in the practice notebook?"
Tang Ruoyao immediately buried her face in the pillow.
Qin Yinong glanced at her, a smile appearing in her eyes, and let her hide in shyness.
"Since she said she's not familiar with you, let's make her get to know you better as soon as possible."
Tang Ruoyao muttered, "I've been with her every day recently. How else can we get familiar?" It could only be achieved over time.
Qin Yinong said mysteriously, "There's a way."
Tang Ruoyao revealed half of her face, one eye fixed on her, "What way?"
Qin Yinong naturally reached out and hooked Tang Ruoyao's messy hair behind her ear, then touched her eyebrows and said, "Let her sleep with us tonight."
At first, Tang Ruoyao thought, "Isn't that inconvenient?"
But then she thought again, since they couldn't do anything right now, it would be a good opportunity to build their relationship during this time. It would be genuinely inconvenient later.
Qin Yinong smiled gently with warmth in her eyes, "What do you think?"
Tang Ruoyao's entire face emerged, and she smiled brightly, saying, "Okay."
Once her girlfriend smiled, Qin Yinong felt relieved and said, "Let's go to sleep. Ningning will wake up soon, and your little brother just arrived. We can't let him stay alone." She thought about the scene they would face after waking up, and her heart warmed.
In the spacious house, originally occupied by three generations, now had Tang Ruoyao and Tang Fei, not too many people, but it was no longer lonely.
Qin Yinong fell asleep quickly, almost breaking her previous record. Tang Ruoyao wanted to say something to her, but when she turned her head, she found Qin Yinong already asleep, maintaining the same position as when they were chatting, holding her hand, facing her with her face turned to the side, her dark hair flowing on the snow-white pillow.
Tang Ruoyao's hand that was held by her remained still, while her other hand, along with her foot, unfolded the blanket and covered both of them. After Qin Yinong slept for a while, she instinctively sought warmth and snuggled into Tang Ruoyao's embrace, not moving anymore.
Tang Ruoyao kissed the woman's forehead, held it for a few seconds, and then let go, closing her eyes as well.
.....
The sun was setting.
The open-air swimming pool was covered by the lingering glow of the sunset, shimmering with ripples.
There was a graceful figure swimming in the water like a fish, moving freely. With one hand touching the pool wall, her snow-white toes lightly tapped on it, agilely turning around. Her body underwater was incredibly beautiful.
Qin Yinong stared at that figure without blinking.
She never imagined that Tang Ruoyao would be this good at swimming.
With one round trip, Tang Ruoyao grabbed the railing at the edge of the pool.
With a splash, she emerged from the water like a fish.
The young woman's beautiful cheeks were adorned with water droplets, and her gracefully arched neck and chin, as if a bathed Venus, were exquisite and beautiful. She shook off the water from her face, grabbed the white railing, and slowly climbed up step by step.
In perfect proportions according to the golden ratio, God bestowed her with an impeccable figure. Long legs, slender waist, even skin tone, and transparent water droplets continuously trickled down her body, irresistibly sexy.
The only flaw, perhaps, was the slightly conservative black one-piece swimsuit.
Although she personally chose it, Qin Yinong found the swimsuit very eye-catching. However, she had no choice since she wasn't the only one here. Fortunately, she had foreseen this and had Guan Han buy several sets.
Ningning, wearing a children's swimsuit, stood by the shore clapping her hands excitedly. "Auntie Tang is amazing!"
Aunt Tang passed by the little girl, touched her cheek, and then walked over to Qin Yinong. Qin Yinong reached for a large towel beside her and covered Tang Ruoyao's head with it, silently drying her hair.
The towel gradually absorbed the water from Tang Ruoyao's long hair. She squatted in front of Qin Yinong, tilting her face upward, with a gentle and submissive look in her eyes. In a voice only the two of them could hear, she said, "Are you jealous?"
Qin Yinong casually replied, "No."
What's there to be jealous about just because she took Ningning swimming and didn't take her? There was no reason to be jealous.
Tang Ruoyao suggested, "How about we raise the water temperature a bit, and I'll get you a lifebuoy. We can pretend it's a hot tub."
Qin Yinong said firmly, "No."
She rarely refused so resolutely, and Tang Ruoyao raised an eyebrow in response.
Qin Yinong lowered her gaze and said, "It's getting dark. Let's do it tomorrow."
Tang Ruoyao realized that Qin Yinong was not unaffected after all. She rubbed her face against Qin Yinong's hand and smiled, saying, "Okay."
Qin Yinong scolded, "Don't move, I haven't finished drying your hair."
Tang Ruoyao playfully moved, and in the process, both of them fell onto the lounge chair. Ningning shyly covered her eyes on the side.
"Don't fool around," Qin Yinong noticed and quickly pushed the person off her, then hurriedly checked on Ningning. Little did she know that Tang Ruoyao took a few steps back and sat directly on the ground, her back against the floor.
Qin Yinong nervously helped her up. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine." When Qin Yinong wasn't paying attention, Tang Ruoyao winked with her left eye at Ningning.
Ningning revealed a knowing smile.
Step Five of "Practical Application of Establishing a Good Mother Image" by Tang Ruoyao: Have a shared little secret with your child.
Qin Yinong might not have noticed, but Ningning, who was watching from the sidelines, saw it clearly. Tang Ruoyao clearly stabilized herself with her hands on the ground, but she intentionally fell backward, landing on the floor.
Auntie Tang is so cunning!
But it doesn't matter, Ningning will help her keep this secret.
Qin Yinong brought over two bathrobes, one big and one small, and handed them to the two of them. Neither of them moved, their eyes locked on each other, fully focused and attentive to the command.
Qin Yinong: "One, two, three, let the race begin!"
Both of them simultaneously put on their clothes, while Qin Yinong provided real-time commentary on the side. "We can see that Auntie Tang has already put on one sleeve, while little Ningning has half a sleeve on and is still trying her best. She hasn't given up, she hasn't given up. Her determination is incredibly strong!"
The lines were roughly what Tang Ruoyao had in mind, and Qin Yinong showcased her acting skills as an international film star, suppressing her laughter and playing the role of a dedicated referee.
Qin Jianing's face turned red as she struggled to breathe, all while wearing a bathrobe.
In the end, Tang Ruoyao was a second too slow, and Qin Jianing narrowly won.
Both parents applauded her.
"Fantastic!"
As a reward for being the champion, Qin Yinong, acting as the referee and award presenter, kissed Ningning's smooth cheek.
Ningning laughed so much that her eyes disappeared.
Tang Ruoyao made a pitiful face, looking at them with a pleading expression.
After a moment of silence, Ningning pulled on Qin Yinong's sleeve and looked up, saying, "Mom, give Auntie Tang an encouragement award."
And so, Tang Ruoyao received an encouragement award, which was also a kiss.
Everyone was delighted.
"Great job!" Ningning clapped her hands.
They returned home, facing the beautiful sunset.
After obtaining the child's consent, Tang Ruoyao lifted Ningning up and let her ride on her neck as they walked forward. The familiar scenery became novel and exciting from this height, and Ningning couldn't stop looking around with wide-eyed wonder.
Ningning's gaze fixed on Qin Yinong, who was several heads shorter. Suddenly, she exclaimed, "Mom, I'm taller than you!"
Qin Yinong played along and said, "Wow, that's amazing!"
Ningning reciprocated politely and humbly, saying, "Mom, you're amazing too." It wasn't necessary to delve into what exactly made her amazing.
Qin Yinong asked, "Isn't Auntie Tang amazing?"
Ningning replied, "Amazing."
She realized who she was currently sitting on and had something she wanted to say but couldn't find the words. So, she extended her soft little hand and gently pinched Tang Ruoyao's ear.
Tang Ruoyao was afraid she would fall, so she dared not divert her attention. She even refrained from interrupting their conversation. But now, an unusually soft sensation reached her ear, causing her to stiffen.
Qin Yinong supported Ningning's back, and Tang Ruoyao raised one hand. Ningning willingly held her finger, and her palm felt unusually warm, as only a child's palm could be.
Tang Ruoyao turned her head to look at Qin Yinong, with a sparkling gleam in her eyes.
Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao shared a smile.
The three of them reached the main house, where the living room was filled with the aroma of food. Suddenly, someone's stomach growled loudly.
Tang Ruoyao became alert, standing still and asking, "Who was that?"
She was already certain that it came from the child's stomach, as it sounded in her ear.
Qin Yinong glanced at her sideways and said, "Was it you?" She deliberately asked Ningning, "Was it Auntie Tang?"
Ningning clearly didn't grasp the family secret of "squeezing Mommy together with Mom," and she blushed with embarrassment, lowering her head and whispering, "It was me, I'm hungry."
Tang Fei happened to come out of the kitchen, seeing them and smiling brightly. "You're all back. Let's eat."
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