CHAPTER 173

"I'll teach you."

A faint light emerged from the dark courtyard gate, like stardust, falling on the head of the little girl from years ago, and gently settling in Ji Yunyao's heart twenty years later.

Ji Yunyao's lips twitched, and she smiled, saying, "But big sister is not very clever, it might take a long time for me to learn."

"It's okay," Ningning said, "I'll teach you, I'm very patient."

She stared at the Rubik's cube in her hand for a while and handed it to Ji Yunyao, saying, "This is for you."

Ji Yunyao asked, "But what about yourself?"

Ningning patted her chest and said, "I still have one."

Ji Yunyao glanced in the direction of the sofa. She had bought two Rubik's cubes in total, one for herself and one for Tang Ruoyao during the competition. Now she was giving her own to Ningning, leaving one for someone else, which was self-evident.

Ji Yunyao put her feet down from the windowsill, stepped on the ground, and lifted Ningning onto her lap. With a voice that only the two of them could hear, she asked, "Do you like Auntie Tang?"

Ningning nodded without hesitation.

"How does she usually treat you?"

"She tells me stories, plays games with me, teaches me how to swim..." Ningning counted on her fingers, and finally let out a sigh of relief. With her face nestled in Ji Yunyao's arms, she looked up shyly and whispered, "Auntie Tang is very nice. I want her to be my mommy."

Ji Yunyao paused for a few seconds and smiled slowly.

She rubbed Ningning's soft hair and said, "Okay."

Ji Yunyao said, "What I'm going to tell you, you can't tell anyone else later. Can you do that?"

Ningning hesitated and said, "Not even Mom?"

Ji Yunyao said seriously, "No, not even Mom. This is our secret."

Ningning thought for a moment and said, "Okay."

They hooked their pinkies together, and Ji Yunyao lightly touched Ningning's forehead with her own.

Ningning giggled in her embrace.

After chatting for a while, Ji Yunyao let her down and watched her run to Qin Yinong's side. Qin Yinong casually glanced in Ji Yunyao's direction and asked something, but Ningning shook her head.

Qin Yinong was naturally suspicious, but at this moment, she didn't want to delve into the obvious and hidden doubts. Ji Yunyao withdrew her gaze and focused on the Rubik's cube lying quietly next to her notebook.

Let it be like this.

Qin Yinong asked, "What did Sister tell you?"

Ningning honestly said, "Sister said not to tell Mom." She tilted her head and whispered, "If Mom really wants to know, I can tell you quietly."

Qin Yinong reached out and flicked her nose, smiling and saying, "No need, you're growing up, you can have your own little secrets."

The words "growing up" undoubtedly served as the greatest praise for a child. Ningning was overjoyed and became even more lively.

In the end, Qin Yinong was a little overwhelmed.

She thought to herself: The family atmosphere really has a great impact on children. When Ji Yunyao and I were taking care of the child before, Ningning was quiet and introverted. Now, she's starting to let loose and go wild at the slightest opportunity.

Fortunately, there were many people to take turns, especially Tang Ruoyao, who had both physical strength and patience, so it wasn't too exhausting.

Ji Yunyao took off her Bluetooth earphones and closed her laptop. It was already eleven o'clock at night, and Ningning had already been put to bed by Ji Yunyao. Only Qin Yinong, Tang Ruoyao, and Ji Yunyao remained in the living room.

Qin Yinong broke the silence first and asked, "Do you have time?"

Ji Yunyao nodded, hugged her laptop, and opened the bedroom door. The door was left open, and the two followed her inside.

Ji Yunyao asked, "What would you like to drink?" Perhaps it was late at night, perhaps she was tired, but she had a slightly weary look between her eyebrows. Her temperament blended into the night outside, reserved and calm.

Qin Yinong replied, "Anything is fine."

Ji Yunyao asked, "How about some tea?"

Qin Yinong nodded.

Tang Ruoyao noticed that Qin Yinong's gaze lingered on Ji Yunyao for two seconds, and she discreetly held the woman's hand.

Qin Yinong comfortingly patted the back of her hand.

Ji Yunyao didn't notice their subtle gesture. She picked up her phone from the bedside table and gave instructions to the housekeeper.

Ji Yunyao's bedroom was spacious, but the interior decoration had a monotonous tone, slightly dull and not suitable for her age. She led the two of them to open a sliding door inside the bedroom, revealing a Japanese-style decorated area with a projection screen and a small audio-visual room.

"Please have a seat," Ji Yunyao said, sitting cross-legged.

Qin Yinong sat down gracefully, showing no signs of restraint.

Tang Ruoyao, on the other hand, hesitated for a moment before sitting down, following Qin Yinong's cues.

The three of them fell into silence for a while. The butler came in pushing a tea set, knelt down on one knee, arranged the tea set on the coffee table, and began brewing tea with a calm and elegant demeanor. Even the butler's appearance was exceptionally handsome, pleasing to the eye.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but take a few more glances, recalling the peculiarities about Ji Yunyao mentioned by Wen Shuxian. Could this person... be the butler during the day and the bed companion at night? Considering that Ji Yunyao was a year older than her, it was normal.

As she was thinking, her gaze shifted from the butler and coincidentally met Ji Yunyao's teasing smile.

Ji Yunyao playfully said, "Sister, your little wife is looking at others without restraint. When you go back, you should educate and discipline her properly."

Qin Yinong remained unruffled and said, "Thank you for the reminder, I will."

Ji Yunyao said, "Regardless of whether it's a man or a woman, if they aren't properly disciplined when they're young, it will be even harder to teach them when they're older. They will only become more rebellious, and then it will be too late for regrets."

Tang Ruoyao silently listened, finding hidden meanings in their words.

Qin Yinong said, "It's not as simple as that. Marriage is not about raising pets. Both people must have mutual affection to be together. If she truly likes someone else, forcing her won't work."

Ji Yunyao said, "Well, my view on relationships is different. If my belongings dare to run away, I'll break their hands and feet, and I'll lock them by my side."

Qin Yinong calmly said, "Agree to disagree."

Ji Yunyao was taken aback but then burst into laughter.

After she stopped laughing, she said, "Sister, I really like you." Her eyes were curved and bright, her voice softened, and it was hard to tell how much was genuine and how much was insincere.

Tang Ruoyao remained calm on the surface, but inside, she was about to explode with anger.

Qin Yinong accepted it graciously and said, "Thank you, but I still don't like you."

Ji Yunyao said with a hint of grievance, "I'm a little sad."

Qin Yinong replied, "Hmm, you'll get used to it."

The sudden cold humor hit Ji Yunyao's weak spot once again.

She was about to go crazy with laughter.

No one noticed that the butler, who was brewing tea, trembled imperceptibly. Fortunately, they were still in the washing tea stage, so he steadied his hand and slowly completed the process. He poured a cup of tea for each of the three and bowed before retreating, without making a sound.

As soon as the butler left, Ji Yunyao immediately dropped her playful demeanor and even her eyes became more serious. She asked seriously, "What do you want from me?"

Tang Ruoyao was surprised and thought, 'Is she having a split personality?'

Qin Yinong's speculation was gradually confirmed, and she was also anticipating this change from Ji Yunyao. She went straight to the point and asked, "How do you plan to deal with Li Yichuan?"

Ji Yunyao frowned and asked, "Do you want to get involved?"

Qin Yinong was taken aback and said, "What do you mean by 'get involved'? He was originally my opponent, and you're the one who got involved in this game."

Ji Yunyao's interest waned, "I prefer to fight alone. The result will definitely satisfy you, and you don't need to worry about the process."

Qin Yinong pressed on, "How long do you need? What level do you want to reach?"

Ji Yunyao replied, "Like I said, you don't need to worry about it."

Qin Yinong thought to herself, 'She's young, but she has quite an attitude.'

Qin Yinong continued, "I don't know how much power you hold in the Ji family, but your power definitely doesn't surpass that of your father. Even your father would think twice before taking action against Li Yichuan, let alone you."

"Don't you believe in me?" Ji Yunyao narrowed her eyes.

"It's not that. I just think that as a businesswoman, why would you go through so much trouble?" Qin Yinong tapped her finger on the table.

Ji Yunyao chuckled disdainfully.

"What can you offer me? Just that toothless contract of yours?"

"The contract is a temporary measure." Qin Yinong didn't show any anger and calmly explained, "At that time, Yaoyao was being followed and attacked by people sent by Li Yichuan. I didn't want to put her in danger, and I couldn't bring him down in a short time, so I had to resort to this strategy."

Ji Yunyao was slightly stunned and clapped her hands mockingly. "Impressive, I didn't expect my sister to be such a resourceful person."

Qin Yinong composed her gaze and modestly smiled, "You flatter me."

Ji Yunyao remained silent. She couldn't believe that Qin Yinong didn't realize she was being sarcastic. But strangely, Qin Yinong's response seemed so natural, as if she was truly proud of it.

Yes, a resourceful person. When did it become a derogatory term?

Ji Yunyao suddenly felt a bit envious, envious of Tang Ruoyao, who had someone willing to sacrifice everything for her. She also envied Qin Yinong, who had someone worth sacrificing everything for.

Qin Yinong noticed her relaxed attitude and sincerely said, "Consider it? Let's cooperate. I've been fighting against Li Yichuan for many years and know a lot of his hidden secrets. I also have some evidence, but I lack the power to bring him down. If I hand over the evidence to you, it will be twice the result with half the effort."

Ji Yunyao avoided answering and asked, "Why?"

Qin Yinong looked into her eyes and said, "We are both members of the Ji family, and we each have someone we want to protect."

......

Qin Tang returned to their room, just two minutes before one o'clock in the morning.

Tang Ruoyao had been silent for the entire night, but now she could finally speak. She asked, "What did you mean by that statement?" After she finished speaking, Ji Yunyao sat silently without uttering a word, and then they reached a consensus.

In the exchange of their eyes, the silent understanding overwhelmed Tang Ruoyao with jealousy. The sourness filled the room.

What? They were relatives? That couldn't be!

Qin Yinong hugged Tang Ruoyao and kissed her forehead to calm her down. She said, "I'm a bit tired. I'll take a shower first, and then I'll lie down and tell you slowly."

She held her sleepwear and entered the bathroom, while Tang Ruoyao, in a fit of anger, followed her inside.

Qin Yinong turned around, smiled at her, and pretended to take off her clothes. Tang Ruoyao covered her eyes and ran away.

Qin Yinong chuckled and closed the bathroom door.

In the bedroom, it was just the two of them, so there was no need to lock the door. While halfway through her shower, Qin Yinong, with white foam covering her head, heard a creaking sound from the bathroom door. She held her breath and squinted her eyes, looking in the direction of the door.

"Yaoyao?"

The door slammed shut again, and the glass reflected a shadow peeking inside.

Suddenly, the thief had lost their courage.

Qin Yinong felt a bit restless, but her body wouldn't allow it. She suppressed her desires and finished her shower honestly, changed into her sleepwear, and came out with her hair wrapped in a large towel.

Tang Ruoyao was waiting at the door, and there was still a hint of embarrassment on her face.

Qin Yinong used her warm hand, which still had the residual heat from the shower, to hold the young woman's face. Tang Ruoyao naturally lowered her gaze and rubbed her cheek against Qin Yinong's palm like a small animal. She whispered, "I'm going to take a shower."

Qin Yinong made a sound of acknowledgment but didn't retract her hand.

Tang Ruoyao called out to her, "Qin Yinong."

Qin Yinong was absent-minded and replied, "Hmm." She foolishly stared at Tang Ruoyao's face, filled with an irresistible infatuation.

Tang Ruoyao's jealousy, which had been fermenting all night, dissipated in an instant.

She thought: Qin Yinong only looks at me with such eyes, only me.

She quickly leaned in and kissed Qin Yinong's lips before happily entering the bathroom.

Qin Yinong raised her hand, lightly pressing her finger against her own lips, and smiled, lowering her eyes.

After Qin Yinong finished blow-drying her hair, Tang Ruoyao happened to come out. Using the excuse of Qin Yinong's poor health, she strongly rejected Tang Ruoyao's request to blow-dry her hair. She took the hairdryer into the bathroom herself, and Qin Yinong could only see half of her figure and her hair being occasionally blown by the wind. She pursed her lips, feeling each moment pass like an eternity.

Tang Ruoyao turned off the hairdryer, lifted the blanket, and sat down. A gust of fragrant breeze brushed against Qin Yinong's nose.

Before Tang Ruoyao could lie down properly, a warm and soft figure automatically snuggled into her embrace.

From an angle where Tang Ruoyao couldn't see, Qin Yinong greedily sniffed the fragrance on her body. The media used to say she was a sly fox. If she truly was a sly fox, this scholar, Tang Ruoyao, would have long been drained of her vitality.

She couldn't control herself. Day after day, month after month, year after year, she wanted to be with her.

Tang Ruoyao could feel Qin Yinong's rapid heartbeat and the unusually high temperature on her cheek. She hugged herself for a long time before gradually regaining her calmness. She climbed up and nestled comfortably in Tang Ruoyao's arms.

"The Ji family..." She opened her mouth, realizing her voice was hoarse. She cleared her throat before continuing, "I heard from a branch of the Ji family that the competition within the main line of the Ji family is fierce. The former head of the family, my mother's third brother, has five sons. Until the new head is chosen, all of his sons are considered mainline candidates, and the one who can become the next family head depends on their abilities."

Tang Ruoyao thought to herself: It's like the ancient palace, the struggle for the throne.

Something crossed Tang Ruoyao's mind, and she said, "Wait, sons?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Yes, only sons. Moreover, the eldest son died in his youth, the second son is weak and often sick, I don't know the specific situations of the third and fifth sons. In the end, it fell on the fourth son, but Ji Yunyao's father is indeed a very capable person."

Tang Ruoyao imagined a conspiracy, such as Ji Yunyao's father killing the eldest brother and using means to force the third and fifth sons not to compete with him, and so on. She told Qin Yinong about her thoughts.

Qin Yinong chuckled and said, "Everyone guesses like that, but only Ji Yunyao's father knows the true truth."

Tang Ruoyao treated it as a story and actually became interested. She asked, "How many children does Ji Yunyao's father have?"

Qin Yinong replied meaningfully, "He only has one legitimate child."

Tang Ruoyao exclaimed, "What about illegitimate children?"

Qin Yinong said, "I'm not sure. There are three living in the Ji family, two boys and one girl, but their biological mothers are not allowed to appear in the Ji family."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Can Ji Yunyao's mother bear such a situation?"

Qin Yinong sighed and said, "What can she do if she can't accept it? Who made her have only one daughter?"

Tang Ruoyao frowned, "Doesn't the current generation of the Ji family have inheritance rights for daughters?"

Qin Yinong remained silent and said, "Ji Yunyao didn't have it before, but she's too outstanding. The younger generation pales in comparison to her." Living in such a repressive, patriarchal family, and still standing out, one can imagine Ji Yunyao's upbringing.

Just as Tang Ruoyao sought compensation in Qin Yinong, Ji Yunyao saw her own childhood reflected in Ningning—intelligent, sensible, and patient. Ningning became her irreplaceable past.

"She has always loved children. Every time there's a family gathering, she prepares carefully for each child, giving them special gifts and generous red envelopes."

"Why is she so good to Ningning?" Tang Ruoyao's deep-seated emotional issues resurfaced.

"Perhaps because of me. Everyone in the Ji family is afraid of her, and although I keep my distance, I treat her as a person and not a monster. Besides, there's a great distance between us, so she doesn't see me as a threat. And, who wouldn't love someone as adorable as Ningning?" Qin Yinong glanced at her and said, "Who was so nervous and stuttering in front of Ningning, unable to speak properly?"

Tang Ruoyao muttered, "That's because... forget it." She ended up amusing herself and couldn't argue back.

Qin Yinong summed it up, "In short, she poses no significant threat. When I talk to her, just think of it as me playing with a child. But don't provoke her yourself. You're not familiar with her, and if you step on her landmine, she might retaliate. Though she may have her sympathetic side, she's not a good person."

Tang Ruoyao said, "I know, I'm not stupid." Pausing for a moment, she said, "Qin Yinong."

Qin Yinong gently responded, "Hmm?"

Tang Ruoyao looked at the lamp above the ceiling, sighed softly, and said, "I think I've figured it out. You just enjoy being a mother figure to others."

Qin Yinong chuckled and said, "Hahaha. Are you annoyed?"

"Not at all." Tang Ruoyao called out cheerfully, 

"Mom."

"..." Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow, feeling strangely pleasant.

Tang Ruoyao rested her arm on Qin Yinong's, unable to shrug, so she pouted and said, "Look at you."

Qin Yinong covered her mouth.

Their interaction turned into an intensely affectionate kiss.

As their lips parted, both of them were breathless.

Qin Yinong said, "Are you still making a fuss? I'll give you another chance."

Tang Ruoyao's eyes curved into crescents as she sweetly said, "Sister."

"Good girl."

"Sister, I like you."

The confession, no matter how many times Qin Yinong heard it, made her heart surge with excitement. She hugged Tang Ruoyao tightly and kissed her eyes, saying, "Goodnight."

Then silently in her heart, she added: I love you.

Tang Ruoyao pulled the blanket up, and the two of them embraced each other as they fell asleep.

.....

The next day, the group had breakfast and headed to Disneyland.

Ningning was full of energy and it was her first time there. She bounced around and went wild in the amusement park. Qin Yinong wasn't feeling well and couldn't handle such physical activity without a wheelchair. She would take breaks every now and then while walking, but she asked Tang Ruoyao to accompany Ningning. However, Tang Ruoyao refused to leave her alone.

Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang were always together, so in the end, only Ji Yunyao was left to play with the kid.

In Ningning's heart, everyone was family. She was happy as long as Qin Yinong was with her. She also knew that her mother wasn't in good health, so she considerately didn't want her to accompany her. Occasionally, she would turn around and wave to Qin Yinong with enthusiasm.

Qin Yinong smiled and waved back at her.

Qin Yinong didn't really play many of the amusement park attractions, and Tang Ruoyao rested with her.

Qin Yinong held her hand and said, "Go and play whatever you want, I'll be fine sitting here." She nodded towards the bodyguards brought by Ji Yunyao, who were all tall and strong.

Tang Ruoyao shook her head and said, "I'm not interested."

Qin Yinong had no choice but to give up.

Ningning played for a while and got tired, sweating profusely. Ji Yunyao brought her back, her jacket draped over her arm, and her eyes softened as she looked at the child.

Tang Ruoyao discreetly averted her gaze, believing Qin Yinong's compensation statement.

Ningning wanted to play more, but she was already out of energy. She leaned against Qin Yinong's leg and started to doze off.

They called it a day and still had one more day ahead.

The following day, there was a carousel ride, a beautifully decorated merry-go-round spinning around its center under dreamy lights. For the first time, a glimmer appeared in Qin Yinong's eyes, and Tang Ruoyao keenly noticed it. She asked in a low voice, "Do you want to ride that?"

Qin Yinong's expression remained calm, without any fluctuations, as she replied, "It doesn't seem to require much physical strength, and it's not thrilling either."

Tang Ruoyao didn't respond, quietly waiting for her to continue.

A hint of embarrassment flashed in Qin Yinong's eyes. Didn't Tang Ruoyao always understand her? Why wasn't she giving her a way out?

Qin Yinong pursed her lips and said, "What I mean is, we came all this way to accompany Ningning. It wouldn't hurt to play a game with her instead of just watching her play, so that she doesn't remember us as mere background characters."

Tang Ruoyao acted as if she suddenly understood and responded, "You're right."

Qin Yinong smiled with a hint of delight and said, "Then let's go."

Tang Ruoyao turned her head and suppressed her smile.

Ji Yunyao sat on a carousel with Ningning in her arms, turned her head, saw the two of them, raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything.

The carousel started spinning round and round. Tang Ruoyao wanted to reach out and hold Qin Yinong's hand, but she felt hesitant because she had heard somewhere that lovers who ride carousels together will stay together forever. However, with others around, she felt too embarrassed.

So the two of them just occasionally glanced at each other, their eyes filled with affectionate gazes.

Ji Yunyao felt a sourness in her heart, turned her head away and didn't look at them.

Unexpectedly, her lips suddenly felt a warmth.

A wet and soft touch pressed against her lips, distinctly clear.

Ji Yunyao froze.

She didn't even realize what was happening, she only saw a dark-haired head, with a pink butterfly hair clip she bought yesterday clipped to it.

Qin Yinong was shocked by the scene in front of her, speechless, almost jumping down directly from the spinning carousel.

Tang Ruoyao was calmer than her and immediately exclaimed, "Qin Jianing!"

Ji Yunyao snapped back to reality and pushed the child away.

She wiped her mouth with her hand, her expression unusually blank.

What was this? Was she harassed by a child?

The group of people got off the stopped carousel, and the child was taken aside for a separate lecture.

"Didn't your mom tell you not to let others kiss your mouth and not to kiss others casually?" Qin Yinong's anger flared up, but she still tried to control her expression and said with a serious tone.

"I didn't do it casually," Ningning said in her sweet little voice, "Big sister played with me for so long, and I just wanted to kiss her."

"Then why did you...?" Qin Yinong's heart ached, "Why did you lick her lips?"

At such a young age, this was unacceptable!

Tang Ruoyao stood on the side, feeling somewhat guilty and self-blaming.

Previously, Qin Yinong thought that children would imitate others and believed that being cautious would be enough. Little did she know that the child learned so quickly. If she hadn't intervened in time, would she have planned to imitate them and even French kiss Ji Yunyao?

Ningning blinked her eyes innocently and said, "You said I'm growing up. You said that when I grow up, I can have a lover and do the things you and Auntie Tang do."

"When did I--" Qin Yinong's head was spinning with anger, despite her knowledge of psychology.

Ningning had an extraordinary memory and whispered to her, "The night before yesterday, you said I was growing up and could have my own little secrets."

"..." Qin Yinong struggled to suppress her anger and explained, "When your mom said 'growing up,' she meant that you've grown a little, but not enough to do such things."

Ji Yunyao wiped her lips again with the wet towel handed to her by her secretary. She meticulously wiped each finger clean and returned the towel. She happened to overhear the child's "shocking and vulgar" remarks and couldn't help but laugh.

"Sister, your education seems to have some issues." she said, crossing her arms and casually commenting.

Qin Yinong glared at her in annoyance and turned her head.

Ji Yunyao inexplicably had a strange reflex. By the time she realized it, she was already standing up straight with her lips tightly closed.

Ji Yunyao: "...Do I have a problem?"

The secretary's mouth fell open, but before Ji Yunyao noticed, they quickly closed their chin.

Qin Yinong took the child back and gave her a thorough lecture, even involving Ji Yunyao in the process. She explained that Ji Yunyao was her sister, not her lover, and detailed the differences between the two.

Finally, Ningning lowered her head and sincerely admitted her mistake.

After spending two days in City S, the group returned home.

They arrived at the Qin residence close to noon. Qin Yinong invited Ji Yunyao to have lunch, but she declined politely, as she had a dinner engagement. After the luggage was put away, she hurriedly left.

Life flowed forward like running water.

In the blink of an eye, half a month had passed.

The Golden Magnolia Awards ceremony was held as scheduled, and both Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao were nominated for Best Actress and would attend together.

Author's Note:

Half a month has passed, and Sister Qin has recovered haha. Let's arrange 64 cups of water!

Do you want to see them drink water? If this chapter gets 50 more comments, I'll add an extra scene with them drinking water. (Don't underestimate this one word. It's not easy to write an extra word under the pressure from Jinjiang, sobbing tiger.jpg)

It's up to you now, whether it's Qin as the dom, Tang as the dom, or mutual dom, go for it!

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