CHAPTER 177

A faint smile crept up on Tang Ruoyao's lips.

Mu Qingwu coughed and covered her mouth. "There are reporters here. They might capture you."

"If they capture me, so be it. I'm not afraid." Tang Ruoyao said softly, with a hint of rare arrogance in her tone.

She obediently put her phone back into her bag.

"Let's go for the interview." Tang Ruoyao refreshed herself and walked briskly.

Mu Qingwu: "..."

She had never seen her so enthusiastic about interviews before. Most likely, Qin Yinong had left her with some words.

Tsk tsk tsk.

Tang Ruoyao was in high spirits, enjoying the happy occasion, and treated the reporters with warmth and kindness, her eyebrows slightly curved with a smile.

A reporter teased, "Are you so happy because you can see your boyfriend when you go back?"

Tang Ruoyao definitely wouldn't admit it, so she opened her eyes and told a white lie, "No, today I saw many outstanding seniors, and I'm very happy."

The reporter didn't want to hear her official answer and tried to find a way to make it more interesting. "Including Qin Yinong?"

Tang Ruoyao hesitated, then said, "Of course."

The reporter looked at people through tinted glasses and immediately sensed the sparks in her pause. They pressed further, "Can you tell us how you feel about losing to Qin Yinong for the Best Actress award at this year's Golden Magnolia Awards?"

"Qin Yinong deserves the Best Actress award." Tang Ruoyao continued with an official statement.

"Don't you feel regretful for yourself?"

"...A little bit," Tang Ruoyao honestly answered, saying otherwise would be too fake.

"What's your impression of Qin Yinong?"

This was the second time Tang Ruoyao heard this question. The first time was at the R&D Jewelry's new product launch last year, and she was slightly unhappy then. She gave a formulaic answer, saying she respected Qin Yinong as a senior and hoped for an opportunity to collaborate.

Today, over a year later, not only did they collaborate, but they also formed a family. Just a few minutes ago, Qin Yinong even sent her a message asking her to wait at home.

It felt like a world away.

"At the beginning of this year, you two worked together on a film." The reporter reminded her, afraid that she would brush it off.

This time, it hit the mark, bringing back memories for Tang Ruoyao.

She lowered her gaze, concealing the fleeting smile in her eyes, and unconsciously pressed her lips together, putting on a serious face to restrain the sweetness that welled up from her heart to her eyebrows.

The reporter's eyes lit up, interpreting it as a touch of sadness and generating jealousy, a clash of emotions.

Okay, we have tomorrow's headline! Let's say that Tang Ruoyao and Qin Yinong are a mismatch from the start, and filming a movie together only intensified their feud. Even if they didn't become enemies, there would definitely be tension during holidays. The so-called successors are just nonsense. How can you have a king without competition? Explosive, isn't it?

Hao Meihua has already become a joke, with people making fun of her every year. It's become stale. Tang Ruoyao has a fresh face, young enough, and plenty of gimmicks. If we dig into this, we can have material for several years.

As journalists, we can't just rely on past wisdom; we must learn to explore new topics.

The reporter who asked this question felt that their career was being expanded and elevated in this moment.

Several pairs of eyes were fixed on the young woman.

Finally, Tang Ruoyao lifted her gaze and said, "Yes."

She smiled.

Reporter: "???"

Reporter: "..."

And then?

They collaborated, and then what? Shouldn't she talk about her impression?

A reporter handed the microphone to Tang Ruoyao's lips, understandingly asked, "So, what's your impression of her?"

Afraid that she might lose control if she kept talking, Tang Ruoyao remained calm and succinctly replied, "Qin Yinong is a senior that I deeply respect. I've gained a lot from working with her."

This statement sounded familiar. The reporters realized that it was just a modified version of her answer from last year.

"It's getting late." Tang Ruoyao interrupted a reporter who was about to speak again, calmly saying, "I'm tired too. Everyone should go back and rest early."

Assistant Xin Qian took the opportunity to step forward, shielding Tang Ruoyao. Mu Qingwu draped a coat over her, giving off an air of "interviews are over, no more interviews," and left gracefully.

The reporters who remained looked at each other, their eyes flickering with excitement.

......

"Sister Mu, did I answer the questions wrong?" Tang Ruoyao tightened the collar of her long coat, bent over and got into the car, asking Mu Qingwu who followed behind.

"No," Mu Qingwu said, "You only said a few words in total."

Tang Ruoyao thought, "Did I say so little? I have countless memories in my mind."

The car had heating, and Tang Ruoyao's hands and feet warmed up. She loosened her coat and asked sincerely, "Sister Mu, how do those hidden marriages or secret relationships in the entertainment industry manage to keep it a secret from the outside world?"

Mu Qingwu calmly replied, "They just keep it hidden. Public figures' relationships have a bigger impact when exposed, especially those who rely on popularity. Unless they are forced to, who would willingly reveal it? And for relationships that are unstable, constantly changing partners, it's not good for public perception."

Tang Ruoyao said, "But if the relationship is particularly good, wouldn't they want to talk about it?"

Mu Qingwu crossed her arms and answered, "Of course, some do."

She gave an example, unfortunately, it was about Lin Ruohan and her ex-girlfriend. At the time, those in the industry with some connections basically knew about this relationship, but because of their same-sex identity, the outside world was always in the dark.

Tang Ruoyao had also heard about this relationship. She recalled various instances of the two of them being photographed by paparazzi while eating or going on dates, and said, "They were quite high-profile, weren't they? Didn't they say that Teacher Lin even went to meet the other's parents?"

Mu Qingwu rolled her eyes inwardly.

She wore a bewildered expression and looked at Tang Ruoyao, saying, "Do you think you guys are low-key?"

Tang Ruoyao was taken aback.

Were they referring to her and Qin Yinong?

They should be... low-key, right?

Seeing Tang Ruoyao's innocent expression, Mu Qingwu couldn't help but purse her lips all the way to her ears. She took out her phone from her pocket, opened the real-time trending topics, and grabbed Tang Ruoyao's hand, forcefully slapping it with her palm, saying, "Take a look!"

The current top trending topic was Qin Yinong winning the Best Actress award.

There was another in the top three: [Qin Yinong's On-site Confession: I Love You]

[Qin Yinong Got Married Four Years Ago]—this topic had been fermenting overnight and was still in the top ten.

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

As someone who was present at the scene, she didn't witness any confessions and ended up being less informed than those who watched the live broadcast.

Ten minutes later.

Tang Ruoyao covered her face with her coat, blocking her overly radiant smile, and her shoulders shook uncontrollably.

Don't ask, she would regret taking makeup classes in the car.

Mu Qingwu covered her eyes, looking like she couldn't bear to watch, but the corners of her lips involuntarily curled up.

Being young is really great.

......

After sending the message, Qin Yinong put away her phone, lowered her head, and aimlessly wandered around the venue. She saw Tang Ruoyao standing in a corner, surrounded by a dozen reporters, with a bright smile on her face as she gave interviews.

Was she so happy because she received her message?

Thinking like this, Qin Yinong became increasingly annoyed.

They were so close, visible, but untouchable.

"If they don't get in line soon, I'm just going to leave." she whispered to Guan Han, her voice filled with impatience.

Guan Han is the strict executor of her commands, and she immediately lowered her voice and said, "One by one, or else we refuse to accept interviews, ten seconds." She started counting down, "Ten, nine, eight, seven..."

The reporters started discussing and became more chaotic.

How could there be such a big celebrity?

Such arrogance, one by one, is this a press conference?

Guan Han said, "Three, two, one."

The crowd quickly quieted down.

The bodyguards kept the reporters two steps away from Qin Yinong, and Guan Han stepped back out of the camera's view.

Qin Yinong held several microphones in her hands, each with a different logo.

Flashes intertwined, and the questioning began.

"Is it true that Qin Yinong, the Best Actress, has really gotten married?"

Qin Yinong raised one of the microphones, lifting her hand with some effort, but she still showed her ring finger to the camera, with a smile in her eyes. She said, "Does this ring look fake to you?"

The reporter had a serious face and said, "Please give a direct answer."

Qin Yinong: "..." Then she burst into laughter.

Right after the awards ceremony, Lin Guoan messaged her saying she was getting too dreamy about her love life. She thought it was true, otherwise, why would the annoying entertainment reporters suddenly look pleasing?

Laughter makes people look good, and Qin Yinong was exceptionally good-looking. In the light of the interview hall, she had a graceful smile, like a captivating painting.

The reporter felt their ears heat up from her laughter, momentarily dazed. They regained their composure and reminded her, "Miss Qin."

Qin Yinong raised her head, her eyes still smiling. She said, "Yes, I am indeed married."

"Have you been married for four years?"

"Yes."

"Since you've been married for so long, why did you choose to make it public today?"

"Wouldn't you ask me the same question if I chose yesterday or a year ago?" Qin Yinong raised her eyelids slightly, firmly gazing at the reporter who asked the question.

The reporter was speechless and involuntarily took a half step back.

Qin Yinong softened her intense expression slightly and said, "The essence is the same, no difference."

"Are you doing this for publicity?" a male voice suddenly emerged from the crowd, speaking rapidly. Qin Yinong looked in the direction of the voice but couldn't find the person. They seemed like a guerrilla, appearing briefly and then disappearing, probably afraid of getting into trouble, acting suspiciously.

Qin Yinong looked towards Guan Han who was standing beside her.

Guan Han's eyes were sharp. After all, she had been by Qin Yinong's side for a long time, serving as her personal bodyguard. Observing everything and listening from all directions were basic requirements. Guan Han said in a deep voice, "The male journalist from Xingqi Entertainment, please step forward and ask your question."

The reporter's face turned pale immediately.

He thought he could get away with it by blending into the crowd, but he didn't expect to be caught so quickly.

His colleagues made way for him, glancing at him from time to time with a sense of schadenfreude.

Qin Yinong smiled ambiguously, "What did you just ask? I didn't hear it clearly, say it again."

The male reporter clenched his teeth, straightened his neck, and said loudly, "Are you doing this for publicity?"

"I admire your courage." Qin Yinong wasn't angry and smiled lightly, "Then why are you here to interview me?"

The male reporter sternly replied, "To reveal the truth to the world."

"Well said." Qin Yinong's lips curved in a sarcastic arc. Although she was looking straight ahead, her gaze was disdainful, as if looking down at ants beneath her feet. "So many rumors come from your mouths. I don't deny that there are many journalists with a conscience, but that doesn't include you."

The male reporter was infuriated, "You—"

Qin Yinong looked at him and said, "It's you who needs me, not the other way around. Can you understand cause and effect?"

The male reporter's face turned red, and he angrily said, "You're disrespecting journalism!"

Qin Yinong laughed again, "Take a moment to reflect, are you really doing journalism? Journalism emphasizes truth and accuracy. Which part of that applies to you?"

The other reporters at the scene fell silent. Thankfully, they didn't become the center of attention. Who knew that Qin Yinong would go against the norm and argue with the reporters today? If she had scolded a group of people, it would have been easier to handle, but she specifically targeted one person and criticized them without using foul language.

If other reporters were to refute her, wouldn't they be putting the blame on themselves? If they didn't refute, they would have to listen to her words, and everyone would feel like she was personally insulting them.

Most entertainment reporters were shameless, accustomed to such situations, otherwise, they wouldn't be able to survive in this industry. They didn't care about being criticized for a sentence or two, but today, being scolded by Qin Yinong face to face, pointing fingers at them, made them extremely uncomfortable.

The male reporter couldn't retort. With a straight face, he claimed that he was reporting real news. However, his voice suddenly rose, "You are evading my question here and focusing on other matters. Did you choose to make this public now for the sake of publicity?!"

Qin Yinong said, "I'll answer you, no." Then she continued calmly, "Now it's my turn to ask you a question, and I hope you can answer me honestly."

Everyone was stunned.

A reporter being questioned by a celebrity, this was a first.

The colleagues who were spectating broke out in a cold sweat for the male reporter, feeling a sense of urgency and worrying about the consequences.

The male reporter remained silent.

He regretted coming to interview Qin Yinong.

Before he came, his seniors told him that Qin Yinong was a very easygoing person, polite to everyone, famously good-natured. They said there would be no consequences for writing sensational news about her, no worries about damaging her reputation or being sued by a celebrity. Although there had been some recent incidents online, where Qin Yinong's studio sued a group of people, it was understandable because it involved her child.

So he let his guard down, feeling fearless like a newborn calf. He was determined to dig up valuable and explosive news. Other people's questions didn't bother him, but his mind heated up, his blood boiled, and he asked what everyone wanted to ask but didn't dare to.

Little did he know that he would become the target.

Suppressing her anger, Qin Yinong calmly said, "Are you asking me this question in order to gain attention, so that you can make a big story out of it in tomorrow's entertainment news?"

The male reporter was sweating profusely.

Yes, of course, but he couldn't tell the truth. Wasn't it obvious? Who would believe it?

Qin Yinong, renowned domestically and internationally for her film works, had no shortage of wealth, status, or reputation. Journalists had always been sucking her blood. That was an undeniable fact.

So everything he said would be slapping himself in the face.

He closed his lips tightly, his face turning red.

Qin Yinong smiled gently and said, "So, is it you who needs me, or is it me who needs you? It's clear at a glance." Pausing for a moment, she skipped over the speechless reporter and said lightly, "Next."

The reporters were frightened by her serious attitude, afraid that they would become the next target after Xingqi Entertainment. So they restrained themselves and asked their questions in a much gentler tone.

If you respect Qin Yinong an inch, she'll give you a yard in return. Her eyebrows always carried a smile, so the atmosphere remained relatively relaxed and cordial in the latter half of the session.

"You chose to make this public now, is it related to your daughter?"

"It's partly related."

"What about the other part?"

"I want those marketing accounts that spread rumors about me to quiet down. My partner wouldn't be pleased if she saw them. I cherish her and don't want to make her unhappy."

"Are you saying that all the rumors about you online are fake?"

Qin Yinong hesitated for about 0.01 seconds, almost without any hesitation, and said, "They're fake." She thought to herself, no matter how the public opinion fermented tomorrow, at least An Ling was there.

Big news! It's here!

The reporter's heart was pounding, and he almost couldn't speak properly. "But... you... you've never denied it before."

Qin Yinong frowned, "But I've never admitted it either."

The questioning reporter immediately followed up, "Why?! If it's fake, why have you never clarified it before?" If it weren't for the bodyguards holding her back, she would have rushed over and smashed the microphone onto Qin Yinong's face.

"Because..." Qin Yinong lowered her gaze and smiled, saying, "I didn't think it was necessary before."

"So is it necessary now?"

"Hmm," Qin Yinong pursed her lips.

"Is it also because of your partner?"

"...Yes."

Having said enough for today, Qin Yinong timely stopped the topic to lighten the burden on An Ling. She said, "That's enough for now, I need to go home."

One of the bodyguards took the pile of microphones from her hands. Qin Yinong clasped her hands together and politely bowed to the reporters. Guan Han hurriedly stepped forward, wrapping her in a thick wool coat, draping it over her shoulders, and escorting her away.

Half of the bodyguards stayed behind, blocking the reporters from behind, while the others protected Qin Yinong by her side.

As they walked away, the sound of the reporters' chaotic footsteps and their pleading calls could still be heard.

"Just a few more words, Movie Queen Qin!"

"Teacher Qin!"

"Please wait, Movie Queen Qin!"

The scene came to an end, and this scene finally concluded.

She had experienced scene after scene like this, but she was no longer just a performer on the stage, subject to the audience's whims.

Outside the venue, Qin Yinong took a breath of the chilly air, feeling the coldness from her windpipe to her lungs.

She looked up at the sky.

The night sky was boundless, adorned with a galaxy of stars.

Qin Yinong smiled slowly.

Guan Han whispered, "It's cold outside, Qin Jie, let's get in the car."

Qin Yinong tightened her coat collar. There were still fans waiting patiently outside. Or maybe they weren't fans, just passersby. She smiled and nodded to every visible person, regardless of whether they could see her or not, and bent down to get into the car.

The car circled the city several times, shaking off the paparazzi that were following. They even switched cars midway. Only then did Qin Yinong sit in a low-key sedan and drive into her original residential area.

It was strange, Qin Yinong had been here so many times, but she had never felt as nervous as she did today.

It was as if she wasn't just going to see her girlfriend, but heading towards her destined home.

She had once read a passage: "I am an utterly ordinary person. A mountain is a mountain, the sea is the sea, a flower is just a flower. But when I see you, the clouds surge in the sky, the river tides rise, and the tiny feelers of insects itch the entire world. Without a word, you make me and everything in the universe rush towards you."

At that time, she had never truly tasted the flavor of love. What surging clouds, rising tides, and everything in the universe rushing towards one person? It was all exaggerated rhetoric used by scholars. She dismissed it with a smirk. But now she thought, perhaps there really was someone who could change another person's world, a world where everything grew, all directed towards one person.

Qin Yinong stepped out of the elevator, standing at the doorstep of her home, unable to contain the pounding of her heart. She lifted her hand and pressed the doorbell.

......

The interview ended around 10:30 PM, and Tang Ruoyao arrived home at 11 PM.

This house was where the two of them used to live, and it was regularly cleaned by a housekeeper, always neat and tidy no matter when they came. Tang Ruoyao hadn't come back for a long time and felt a bit unfamiliar with the arrangement inside. She stood at the doorway for a full minute, slowly walking in and touching the back of the sofa with her fingertips.

The interior design of the house followed Qin Yinong's aesthetic at the time. The sofa was a smoky grey fabric, the coffee table was made of glass, and the supporting materials were also deep grey. Even the curtains were dark.

Tang Ruoyao thought to herself, 'The decoration of the new house in the future should not be so dark. It should be brighter and more vibrant.'

She leaned against the edge of the sofa, re-reading the message about Qin Yinong. The nervousness that she consciously suppressed along the way suddenly overwhelmed her heart.

Thump, thump.

Her heart was pounding.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't focus her eyes on the furniture anymore. She curled her fingers on the sofa fabric, gently scratching it with her nails, and lowered her gaze to a small spot on the floor, a smile unconsciously forming on her lips.

After a while, she snapped out of her daze, lifted her hand to rub her face, and hurriedly walked into the cloakroom. She carefully picked out an outfit and almost stumbled when she left. She headed straight for the bathroom.

She grasped the showerhead's switch, slowly released her fingers, and then stepped back.

...She seemed quite anxious.

Although she was indeed a bit anxious, what would Qin Yinong think if she came back and saw that she had already taken a shower and was still wearing that kind of outfit? Would she think that Tang Ruoyao was being too forward?

Anyway, Qin Yinong would also need to take a shower. When she came back, if she was even more eager than Tang Ruoyao, there might be a chance for them to shower together. They hadn't showered together yet.

Tang Ruoyao's mind was filled with calculations, and she sat back in the living room with a self-satisfied smile on her lips.

She sent a message to Qin Yinong, reporting her safety seriously: [I've arrived.]

After a few minutes, Qin Yinong replied: [I'm taking a detour. I might be back later.]

Tang Ruoyao bit her lip and playfully replied: [Then should I go to sleep early?]

On Qin Yinong's side, it showed "typing," with pauses in between. After a full minute, Tang Ruoyao finally received a message: [Okay, if you're tired, then go ahead and sleep. I'll wake you up when I get back.]

Tang Ruoyao could imagine Qin Yinong's conflicted expression. Even though she didn't want to go to sleep first, she still considerately agreed to it, her features vivid and animated.

She sent a voice message: "I lied, I won't sleep, I'll wait for you."

Her voice was low and slightly hoarse.

Qin Yinong immediately called her back.

Tang Ruoyao didn't answer and immediately hung up.

Qin Yinong: [???]

Tang Ruoyao typed: [Tell me when you have something to say after you come back.]

This was a significant evening for them. She wanted to keep that feeling and face Qin Yinong in person. While phone calls could temporarily ease their longing, they would also diminish the anticipation of seeing each other.

In the end, Tang Ruoyao stopped chatting, clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and waited on the sofa.

Silence fell.

It was almost one o'clock in the morning.

Ding Dong—

The doorbell echoed in the living room.

Qin Yinong's heart raced, and she heard the footsteps from inside come to a halt.

Qin Yinong's gaze met the peephole, and a smile crept onto her lips.

The door opened.

Soft, warm yellow light spilled out from inside, enveloping Tang Ruoyao completely.

Qin Yinong's heart, which had been pounding like it was on the verge of breaking down, suddenly calmed down strangely.

After closing the door, the two faced each other and smiled simultaneously, but they didn't know what to say.

Qin Yinong's smile deepened in her eyes as she took Tang Ruoyao's hand and led her inside. In a gentle voice, as if having a casual conversation, she asked, "Why are you still wearing this outfit?"

Tang Ruoyao shrugged and replied in a nonchalant tone, "I'm afraid I won't take it off properly and ruin it."

These evening gowns that female celebrities wore to important occasions were generally expensive. For less established celebrities, they would borrow one from a brand or designer temporarily and return it after the event. Although Tang Ruoyao didn't need to do that, her dresses were also sponsored by brands, and most of them had to be returned because celebrities wouldn't wear the same dress twice, keeping it would be a waste.

Qin Yinong couldn't help but say, "If it gets ruined, so be it. It's not expensive anyway."

Tang Ruoyao gently pinched the back of her hand, expressing her dissatisfaction with Qin Yinong's wastefulness.

Qin Yinong smiled and changed her statement, "I'll help you."

The walk-in closet was in the master bedroom, and the two naturally held hands and walked towards the bedroom.

They stood in front of the full-length mirror in the walk-in closet, with Qin Yinong behind Tang Ruoyao. She reached out and took off her necklace, placing it in the jewelry box. Then, she wrapped her arms around Tang Ruoyao's waist from behind.

Tang Ruoyao placed her palm on the back of Qin Yinong's hand and gently brushed her fingertips over the ring on her ring finger.

Qin Yinong tightened her embrace, and Tang Ruoyao turned her head back.

The woman lowered her head and captured her lips

Their lips met as the woman lowered her head.

They went from a shallow taste to a deep kiss.

The jewelry box was knocked over, and necklaces and earrings scattered all over the floor.

The two stumbled out of the walk-in closet and pushed open the bathroom door.

Stepping on the wet floor, they emerged again.

Tang Ruoyao reached up and grabbed the snowy white pillow. The ends of her long hair were slightly damp, revealing a deep black color, like ink, scattered like flowing clouds on the pillow, making the contrast between black and white even more distinct.

Qin Yinong opened the bedside drawer, but Tang Ruoyao grabbed her other hand and shook her head.

Understanding her intention, Qin Yinong kissed her again.

Just like Lin Guoan said, Tang Ruoyao lost herself completely when she saw Qin Yinong. Moreover, she was now being tenderly kissed by her, with sweet words whispered in her ear.

Qin Yinong was skilled in sweet talk, but it required specific circumstances. It had been too long, and Tang Ruoyao had almost forgotten. At that time, they weren't even lovers. So the impact she received tonight was beyond imagination.

Qin Yinong called her baby in a soft and affectionate voice, and Tang Ruoyao almost fainted on the spot. She called her more than once, and the other words challenged her threshold of endurance. Throughout the entire process, Tang Ruoyao's mind was blank, unable to remember anything. She obediently followed Qin Yinong's lead, fulfilling her every desire.

"Qin Yinong..."

"Call me sister." The woman chuckled softly, coaxing her in a gentle voice.

"Sister..." Tang Ruoyao complied, her mind hazy, and she murmured, "I love you."

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