CHAPTER 179

On a late autumn afternoon, the cutest couple sat and reclined on the chairs by the window, lazily passing the time.

The washing machine on the balcony finished its cycle and beeped three times as a reminder.

Qin Yinong was seated, and she stood up, supporting herself with a thick woolen blanket, saying, "I'll go hang... the clothes."

She still left a bit of face for Tang Ruoyao, intentionally referring to the bedsheets as clothes. Even so, within a few seconds, Tang Ruoyao blushed quickly, lightly fidgeting with the edge of the bed, and didn't dare look at her.

After a while, her voice became soft and sweet, with a hint of a Southern accent, sounding very pleasant, "Go ahead."

Seeing Tang Ruoyao's reaction, a mischievous desire silently crept into Qin Yinong's heart. She wanted to tease her and see her fair and cool face turn even redder. She lowered her voice and said, "Want to come with me?"

Tang Ruoyao raised her eyelids, "Huh?"

Qin Yinong's playful thoughts changed direction. She wanted to do something more, and her mind was already planning a series of routes.

"I'm a bit sleepy. After I finish hanging the clothes, I want to take a nap. Will you accompany me?" The woman made an excuse, trying to make it sound noble.

Tang Ruoyao didn't resist her intention and shyly replied, "Okay."

Since she was lying down, she had to sit up and hold onto the armrest. Qin Yinong reached out and helped her up. Tang Ruoyao's back was sore, and it was a bit of an effort for her to get up. It was also very natural for her to let Qin Yinong lend her a hand.

At the moment Qin Yinong held Tang Ruoyao's hand and stood up straight, Qin Yinong stretched out her long arm and embraced her.

The bathrobe had the scent of sunshine, and Tang Ruoyao relaxed as she leaned into her embrace.

The two of them quietly embraced each other.

In an instant, a bright light flashed through Tang Ruoyao's mind. She seemed to understand what Qin Yinong meant by "rely on." If she were to compare it to the knowledge she learned in middle school, reliance was metaphysical. It was the resonance between their souls, the bond that kept them together in life and death. On the other hand, to depend on someone meant to pragmatically build their life together, with no relation to who was stronger or weaker, healthier or less healthy. They took care of each other, supported one another, and walked together towards the end of their lives.

They separated, and Qin Yinong held Tang Ruoyao's hand while her other hand wrapped around her waist, slowly walking towards the balcony.

After taking two steps, Tang Ruoyao suddenly laughed, "You don't have to support me like this. I look like a pregnant woman."

Qin Yinong enjoyed the situation and laughed, "Well, no one else is watching."

"No," Tang Ruoyao firmly refused, "It looks too unattractive." They were still in the honeymoon phase of their relationship, and she was conscious of her personal image.

"Alright," Qin Yinong pretended to be disappointed.

In the end, they simply held hands and walked together towards the balcony.

Qin Yinong opened the washing machine and began hanging the bedsheets. It proved that her decision to bring Tang Ruoyao along was foresighted. Hanging bedsheets is much more convenient with two people compared to one.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't look directly at the bedsheets throughout the process, and her breathing eased, even though they only had the fragrance of laundry balls left. Her gaze wandered outside the window, and she brought up the topic of pregnancy, trying to find something to talk about. She asked, "Do you want a child?"

Qin Yinong was puzzled and said, "Don't we have Ningning?" Before Tang Ruoyao could respond, Qin Yinong realized and shook the bedsheets in her hand. She handed one end to Tang Ruoyao, who had prepared herself, and said, "Are you talking about having a child of your own bloodline? I don't want that."

After hesitating for a few seconds, she asked, "Do you want one?" It was also an option since they were already raising one child, and having another wouldn't be a problem.

Tang Ruoyao quickly shook her head without any hesitation and said, "I don't want to."

She answered so quickly, with a resistant expression on her face. Qin Yinong couldn't help but narrow her eyes and said, "Yaoyao, you don't have to pretend to like Qin Jianing, you know?" Worried that Tang Ruoyao might overthink, she added in a gentle tone, "It's okay if you don't like her. No one expects adults to be fond of children. We are the closest people to each other, and you can be honest with me."

"It's not that," Tang Ruoyao denied just as quickly, but her expression revealed some difficulty in expressing herself.

Qin Yinong gently raised her eyebrows and asked, "Hmm?"

Tang Ruoyao whispered, "I don't really want to go back."

Qin Yinong asked, "Go home?"

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips and nodded.

Her ears involuntarily grew warm, and Qin Yinong must have thought she was shameless.

A hint of a smile flashed in Qin Yinong's eyes. She hung the first bedsheet and went to get the second one. The contours of her face were bathed in a soft golden edge by the sunlight. She said, "Let me tell you a secret."

Tang Ruoyao lifted her slightly blushing face and asked, "What secret?"

Qin Yinong looked at her, blinked, and said, "Actually, I don't want to go back either. I want to stay here more than you do."

Surprised, Tang Ruoyao asked, "Why?"

Qin Yinong was more straightforward than the somewhat evasive Tang Ruoyao. She sighed and said, "There are too many third wheels at home."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but burst into laughter. "Hahaha."

Qin Yinong continued, "So in the future, we can sneak out from time to time..." Her voice gradually lowered, and her gaze became ambiguous. The words "have an affair" were on the tip of her tongue.

But she didn't say it outright. She raised an eyebrow and gave Tang Ruoyao a knowing look.

Tang Ruoyao understood in an instant and thought, 'What kind of excitement is this?'

Qin Yinong finished hanging all three bedsheets and took Tang Ruoyao to the bathroom to wash their hands. She squeezed the foamy hand soap in her palm and enveloped Tang Ruoyao's hands, rubbing them together before rinsing off the white foam.

The water was pleasantly warm, perfect for the chilly autumn season. However, Tang Ruoyao quickly realized that Qin Yinong was washing her hands too meticulously. She caught a glimpse of Qin Yinong's expression in the mirror above the sink, and Qin Yinong noticed, her eyes curving slightly upward at the corners.

What is she up to? A barely noticeable smile crept up on Tang Ruoyao's face, thinking, It's directed at me.

She couldn't go back later than dinner time, and Tang Ruoyao only felt a slight discomfort but also looked forward to this indulgence.

It was the first time they had done something like this during daylight hours, a bit decadent, but she couldn't help but feel anticipation.

This time, she was determined to observe Qin Yinong's expression closely.

Idealism is abundant, while reality is harsh. Tang Ruoyao didn't even have a chance for her mind to go blank. She was unexpectedly interrupted.

At that moment, Tang Ruoyao was trying her best to build up her own thoughts, to hold on a little longer and not let Qin Yinong's sweet words confuse her. Fortunately, she made it through the first sentence with her sanity intact. Unfortunately, what followed was an abrupt ringing of a cellphone.

Qin Yinong ignored it.

But the difference between a ringing phone and sweet words was too significant, and Tang Ruoyao felt uneasy. She nudged Qin Yinong's shoulder and heard Qin Yinong let out a heavy sigh in her ear, seemingly annoyed.

Tang Ruoyao could sense a hint of sweetness in that.

Qin Yinong sat up, a trace of irritability passing across her brows. She tilted her face up, shook her head, and her fluffy long curls floated up and fell down, cascading over her back, revealing a beautiful set of butterfly bones, wild yet enchanting.

The incoming call displayed "An Ling."

Qin Yinong answered it and said in a cold tone, "Hello."

An Ling, unaware of what Qin Yinong was doing, immediately paused and asked, "What's wrong with you?"

Qin Yinong paused for a few seconds and then returned to her usual lazy tone, saying, "Nothing, what's up?"

When An Ling called, it was usually something important and couldn't be summed up in just a few sentences. Qin Yinong almost let out a sigh of relief. She brushed her long hair off her shoulder with her hand and leaned back against the headboard.

A hand reached over and tucked the blanket tightly around her side, leaving no room for air to pass through.

Qin Yinong's eyes softened as she gently caressed Tang Ruoyao's cheek with her fingertips. She pointed to her phone and then to herself, and Tang Ruoyao understood, retrieving a pair of earphones from the drawer.

They each put on a pair and listened to An Ling recounting the events of the day.

......

In An Ling's plan, Qin Yinong's statement, "All the rumors circulating about her online are false," came too early. It wasn't something they could say at the moment. It had been mentioned before that clarifications needed to be done step by step, as bombarding with excessive information wouldn't have a positive effect.

First, the studio resorted to aggressive measures, sending a stack of court summons. This happened just a few days ago and gained even more attention, especially after netizens turned it into a meme. The heat surrounding the situation remained high. Then, Qin Yinong, who had been exposed as a mother for the first time, appeared again, dropping another bombshell: "I got married, four years ago."

All of this was a situation that An Ling could control smoothly. She had originally planned to use the news of Qin Yinong's marriage to push back and subtly manipulate the netizens' rhythm, questioning the entertainment media that spread rumors about her during her marriage. Did Qin Yinong's private life really have such chaos, now that she was married and had a child?

It didn't matter if netizens believed it or not, An Ling had evidence, and she could release it gradually, step by step, gaining control of the situation.

But Qin Yinong should have never, under any circumstances, directly deny all the rumors on the same night she revealed her hidden marriage. Qin Yinong, with her experience in the industry, knew better. An Ling mostly handled logistics for her, rarely accompanying her to events. She was quite independent, so who would have expected her to drop the ball at this moment?

When An Ling saw the interview video, she literally went black in the eyes.

Qin Yinong vividly remembered her confrontation with the reporters from the previous night. The overwhelming feeling she had was one of satisfaction and relief. But now, as she listened to An Ling's words, a twinge of guilt emerged. She said, "I acted impulsively, I'm sorry."

"I'm not blaming you." An Ling remained calm throughout, never losing her temper or resorting to harsh words. Upon hearing her response, Qin Yinong even chuckled and said, "I quite enjoyed watching it myself, really, it was satisfying."

Tang Ruoyao blinked in confusion, tilting her head and blinking again.

She had no idea what was going on.

After a night of passion and a morning of sleep, she hadn't even opened Weibo.

Qin Yinong happened to catch this scene as she lowered her head and found it incredibly adorable. She reached out and ruffled her lover's head, asking An Ling, "Is this situation difficult to handle?"

An Ling spoke honestly, "It's difficult."

With Qin Yinong's words, the entire plan went down the drain.

After all, this series of tactics seemed too much like whitewashing, and poorly executed at that. If the PR department had come up with such a plan, An Ling would have berated them for their incompetence.

The online reputation kept changing and shifting.

Last night was probably the most harmonious.

Under Qin Yinong's Weibo post announcing her Best Actress award, most comments were congratulations, recognition of her well-deserved success, and discussions about the award-winning film. After all, Qin Yinong's achievements in acting were solid, and she was never criticized in that aspect.

Under Qin Yinong's confession Weibo post, there was a sour taste of love. Some people were still shocked by her hidden marriage news, while others voiced disharmony, claiming it was a publicity stunt. However, overall, the situation was manageable, and the quantity of negative comments wasn't too high.

By this morning, the backstage interview video of the Golden Magnolia Awards was released, and all the favorable situations turned unfavorable.

It skyrocketed to the top of the trending searches, exploding.

[Qin Yinong's Rumors Are All False.]

This statement stirred up a storm of controversy. Qin Yinong's behavior after her exposure, which was different from previous years, was now labeled as a meticulously planned publicity stunt. Even Qin Yinong herself became part of the "stunt."

Netizens who believed they had seen through the truth began expressing their opinions.

[Damn it! Seeing Qin Yinong, you realize how shameless a person can be.]

[I despise myself for being a fan of Qin Yinong after watching the live stream yesterday. Qin Yinong is forever blacklisted.]

[I knew it was a publicity stunt. Using a child to exploit everyone's kindness, disgusting.]

[Is this child really hers? Could it be that she deliberately found a child who looks like her?]

[It's terrifying when you think about it. Isn't this crossing a line? Have they even considered how the child feels?]

[I actually think the child is real, but she's using the child as a tool for whitewashing. She's worse than an animal.]

[Worse than an animal +1]

......

In various gossip groups and forums, posts questioning the situation appeared one after another. One post gained the most attention, with dozens of pages being flipped through within minutes.

The title was: "Did Qin Yinong really get married?"

The original poster presented facts and reasoned, saying, "There are many doubts about this matter. Firstly, the timing of her lover's appearance is extremely coincidental, appearing exactly at this moment. Secondly, why would someone who has been secretly married for a long time suddenly disclose it and flaunt their affection so openly? It reeks of a publicity stunt. Thirdly, who exactly is her husband? She hasn't revealed a single detail, not even within or outside the industry. Whether he exists or not, it's all based on her words. Some fans might argue that she's wearing a ring, but who hasn't played around with a ring in private? Wearing a ring doesn't equal marriage unless she shows her marriage certificate or openly reveals who that man is..."

An Ling read the entire lengthy post firsthand.

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao only got together recently. Qin Yinong didn't show any signs earlier because there were no signs to show. Qin Yinong announced her marriage with the purpose of laying the groundwork for future clarification. Netizens, unaware of the truth, understood it as "whitewashing," and that makes sense. It's even more impossible for her to reveal her marriage certificate. Same-sex marriage is not yet legal in China, so where would she get a marriage certificate?

The original poster concluded, "Above all, it has to be said that it's a very effective whitewashing strategy, but unfortunately, the team messed it up. Qin Yinong shouldn't have rushed to defend herself. If she had remained calm, the situation wouldn't be so one-sided now. Taking it step by step would have been much better. Sigh."

An Ling felt regretful as she sighed in the office.

But since the deed was done, she couldn't go back in time to silence Qin Yinong last night. Besides, An Ling wasn't a pushover. Netizens had short memories, and they were experts at changing their stance with the wind. If one path was blocked, she needed to find another way.

The public opinion was fermenting in the gossip groups and was pushed up to the top searches by marketing accounts. Within a short time, it went viral.

Netizens summarized it as the "Best Whitewashing Strategy of 2019."

The PR department was bustling with activity.

These events occurred before An Ling made the phone call. Qin Yinong listened and remained silent for a while before earnestly saying, "I'm sorry."

She knew she might have caused some trouble for An Ling, but she didn't expect the impact to be this significant. The marriage announcement she made not only didn't achieve its intended purpose but also ruined a good hand of cards.

An Ling calmly said, "I called you not to hear you apologize."

Qin Yinong felt even more ashamed and whispered, "I messed up your plan."

"What plan did I have?" An Ling's surprised tone said, "How come I don't know about it?"

Qin Yinong sighed, "An Ling, stop trying to comfort me."

An Ling chuckled.

Qin Yinong said, "Tell me what to do next, and I will do it without acting rashly."

An Ling said, "What if I want you to act rashly?"

Qin Yinong was taken aback.

"What?"

An Ling twirled a pen flower and watched the ballpoint pen skillfully jump between her fingers. She slowly spoke, "Are you still afraid of reporters?"

"Not afraid."

"Are you afraid of being criticized by others?"

"Not afraid."

"No matter what you do, there will always be people criticizing you. If you hold back and swallow your pride, there will be fewer people criticizing you, if you freely express yourself, there will be more people criticizing you. Which one do you choose?"

"The latter."

"Then be the latter. Say what you want to say and do what you want to do."

"But..." Qin Yinong hesitated, "Didn't you say earlier to take it slowly? Am I hindering you by being so impulsive now?"

An Ling's lips curled slightly. "I've changed my mind."

In a fleeting moment, a thought flashed through An Ling's mind.

She changed the direction of the conversation and asked, "Do you know how many good qualities you have?"

Qin Yinong: "..."

Why was she suddenly complimenting her out of the blue?

She felt a gentle and warm touch on her cheek as Tang Ruoyao leaned over and unexpectedly kissed her. Qin Yinong's lips closed, her eyebrows curved, and without words, she silently conveyed, "Many."

An Ling said, "Do you know that everyone in the studio likes you? Why do they like you?"

Qin Yinong replied, "...Because I pay them a high salary?"

An Ling: "..."

She spoke in a calm and serious tone, "It's because you're a good person." She couldn't hold back and made a sound of disgust, then laughed and said, "What a mess."

Qin Yinong also laughed, "Just tell me directly, I'll do it."

An Ling responded enthusiastically, "Good. What I mean is for you to completely be yourself. Why should you suppress yourself for those unworthy people? If people truly understood the real you, they would definitely like you and fall madly in love with you."

An Ling's voice grew more and more excited, and she could almost envision that scene. A female star covered in stains, actually pure and untainted. Everyone's eyes were blinded, obscured by malice and numerous obstacles. Moreover, the things she did and the breadth of her mind and character were far beyond the reach of ordinary people. On the day when all the truth is revealed, the entire entertainment industry will be shocked.

She was the bright moon, the vast stars. Once the clouds dispersed, she would surely be looked up to by all living beings.

An Ling's heart was surging just imagining that day.

Qin Yinong: "..."

An Ling said, "Do you think I'm exaggerating? I absolutely am not. If you don't believe me, let's make a bet."

Qin Yinong fanned herself with her hand, waved it twice, and brushed away the heat on her face before asking, "What's the bet?"

"Let's bet on whether you will become a national idol. I'm not talking about the wholesale kind, but a true idol that people from young to old admire and look up to as a role model in life."

Qin Yinong couldn't listen any longer and restrained herself before asking, "Have you had too much to drink?"

"... " An Ling muttered a curse softly and said, "Anyway, I've said my piece. Believe it or not, it's up to you. And also, don't let anyone get on your nerves. Stand up for yourself, or else I'll resign."

Beep beep beep...

The phone disconnected.

Qin Yinong raised her phone in astonishment and looked at Tang Ruoyao, who had a smiling expression. She asked, "Did she take some kind of pills?"

"Mm, maybe," Tang Ruoyao agreed with the woman's statement and put the two earphones back in the box. Afterward, she said, "Actually, what she said might not be entirely unreasonable."

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow.

Tang Ruoyao's eyes narrowed slightly, as if organizing her words.

After wasting quite some time, Qin Yinong lost interest. She put on her clothes, helped Tang Ruoyao, who was deep in thought, get dressed as well, and opened the curtains, letting the 4 o'clock afternoon sun shine in.

She stretched her arms in front of the window, basking in the sunlight.

Tang Ruoyao spoke from behind her, "Baby, have you ever thought about what impression you have in the hearts of most people, I mean those who don't know you?"

Qin Yinong closed her eyes and answered nonchalantly, "Fickle-minded, indecisive."

Tang Ruoyao felt a pang in her heart and continued asking, "Anything else?"

"Easily bullied, no temper."

"Anything else?"

"That's it, right? Good acting skills?" Qin Yinong frowned, "That's a positive trait, not a negative one. There's no need to clarify."

"How were these impressions formed? Besides others tarnishing your reputation, could it be that over the years, you have allowed these perceptions to take root in others' eyes by indulging them?"

Qin Yinong turned around.

"So?"

"So, the best approach is not to take it slowly but to break through. Use a completely new impression to shatter the preconceived notions in people's minds. It might be difficult at first, but the results will be twice as effective. You can break free and be Qin Yinong. You are sincere, kind-hearted, compassionate, and full of love. You have a temper. You are a real and vibrant person, not just a label of being flirtatious. You can live a colorful life."

Qin Yinong smiled at her, a hint of self-derision in her smile, as if pitying her innocence.

She looked deeply into Tang Ruoyao's eyes and said, "You've been in the industry for so many years, and you still think it's a place where you can be yourself? You should remember that the more you want to protect yourself, the more you have to hide yourself securely, not letting anyone see a trace."

Tang Ruoyao remained unusually calm and simply said, "Others may not be able to, but you can. You are already strong enough."

Qin Yinong understood what she meant.

She had already gone through the most difficult period and now enjoyed great fame. Naturally, she had no fear.

But Qin Yinong didn't feel happy. Instead, she felt a sense of sadness. She gently asked herself, as well as Tang Ruoyao:

"What about those who are not strong enough?"

Tang Ruoyao didn't give her an answer, nor could she provide one.

Such is the state of the world, how insignificant is the power of one person?

But from Qin Yinong's eyes, she suddenly saw a flickering light, the burning fighting spirit of a lone brave soul ready to challenge the world.

Is it right to always be like this?

Her gaze grew more determined.

Tang Ruoyao smiled slowly.

How could she forget? Qin Yinong is just that kind of person. Even though she holds a high position, her thoughts are never self-centered but always about how to help those weaker than her.

Having understood the vastness of the world, she still cares for the greenery.

She is not the sun, Qin Yinong is. But she is Qin Yinong's solar power bank. If Qin Yinong gets tired, she can always come to her to recharge.

......

The setting sun melted into gold.

The two sat side by side by the window, watching the sunset.

Qin Yinong sighed suddenly and said, "Life is too short. I still have so many things I want to do, but I don't know if I can achieve them."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Let's take it one step at a time. No need to rush."

Qin Yinong turned to look at her and asked, "Will you accompany me always?"

Tang Ruoyao smiled and replied, "Of course."

Qin Yinong held her hand and said seriously, "Then you have to live longer, and both of us have to live longer."

Tang Ruoyao thought for a moment and said, "The things you can't finish, you can entrust them to Ningning."

Qin Yinong immediately shook her head and said, "No, that would be like kidnapping, wouldn't it?"

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but smile and said, "So, let's live our lives well and do as much as we can. Let's not have any regrets."

Qin Yinong rested her chin on her hand, appearing thoughtful, and said seriously, "There is indeed one most important thing now."

Tang Ruoyao raised an eyebrow and asked, "What is it?"

"It's..." Qin Yinong paused for a moment, teasingly pointed at Tang Ruoyao's nose, and said, "Time to go home."

Tang Ruoyao's face instantly fell.

Qin Yinong laughed, "Hahaha."

She pulled Tang Ruoyao up, and the two of them quickly tidied themselves up in front of the mirror, adjusting their mood. As they faced the evening glow, they headed home in the direction of the setting sun.

Ningning had finished school and was sitting on the sofa, seemingly focused on reading a book. Her legs, however, kept lightly kicking, and she occasionally glanced towards the direction of the front door. She asked Aunt Fang, "Granny Fang, when will Mom and... Auntie Tang come back?"

Aunt Fang kindly replied, "Miss has called. They're on their way and will be here soon." She paused for a moment and tilted her ear. "I think I hear a car sound."

Ningning also heard it. She stopped her legs from fidgeting and immediately sat up straight.

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao entered, wondering why the little one didn't come forward to greet them. But then they saw Ningning raise her eyelids towards them and called out, "Mom."

After a pause, she called out the second time, her voice noticeably softer and tender.

"Mommy."

Author's Note:

Congratulations to Tang Ruoyao for gaining the acceptance of the little goose, and Qin Yinong is very pleased.

PS: I've talked to the fanfic writer and conveyed everyone's opinions. They will come back, but they won't be available until next week. Please be patient.

PPS: The conversation in this chapter is a foreshadowing. Sister Qin is a person with great love, and I hope this world will become better, but I don't have the ability. So let her, who has the ability, do it well. This phrase sounds familiar. I said it in the afterword too. Actually, when I was writing about the two sitting side by side watching the sunset, I almost ended the entire story there. It felt nice to leave it open-ended, hahaha. But I'm afraid you'll kill me, so let's continue writing ﹁_﹁

Today, there was a bit of plot development and some daily life. Those who need to move on, continue meowing, and those who don't need to move, let's meow meow meow meow.

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