CHAPTER 183

Qin Yinong went to rinse her mouth.

Tang Ruoyao's long hair was scattered, and she had one hand resting on her forehead. Through the gaps between her fingers, she looked at the ceiling above, took a deep breath, and still couldn't fully regain her senses.

Qin Yinong came back and hugged her, causing Tang Ruoyao to involuntarily tremble again.

Qin Yinong leaned close to her ear and chuckled softly.

Tang Ruoyao felt both embarrassed and angry.

Qin Yinong reached out and caressed her face, then kissed her, and her laughter gradually transformed into another kind of sound, subtle and restrained.

The morning gym routine was canceled, and after they finished washing up, they went downstairs. Ningning had already finished practicing the piano. She sat cross-legged by the window, looking up at the two moms. Her long eyelashes blinked intermittently, sensing that something was different.

They seemed to have become more beautiful? But it was hard to pinpoint where exactly, it was just a feeling.

Ningning stared at them without blinking.

Tang Ruoyao felt a bit guilty and her hand reached a place where the child couldn't see, lightly pinching Qin Yinong's lower back. A hint of a smile appeared in Qin Yinong's eyes. She helped Tang Ruoyao to the couch and went to sit next to Ningning, facing the little girl. "We're going to visit Grandpa and Grandma today. Do you want to come with us?"

The grandpa and grandma she referred to were Han Yuping and his wife. Ningning already had a grandmother, and there were no relatives on her father's side, so, for the sake of closeness and convenience, they called Han Yuping and his wife grandpa and grandma.

The little girl nodded eagerly. "Yes, I want to."

She enjoyed going out with Qin Yinong, no matter what they did.

During breakfast, Qin Yinong told Ji Shulan about their plans. After hearing that she intended to have Han Yuping act as Tang Ruoyao's elder, Ji Shulan pondered for a few seconds before saying, "That's a good idea."

She added, "In that case, should I meet the in-laws and discuss the wedding details?"

Qin Yinong paused with the spoon in her hand and lifted her eyelids, smiling. "Mom, I don't plan to have a grand celebration. We'll invite a few close friends and relatives. We drafted a list yesterday, and it won't exceed two tables."

Ji Shulan looked at her with a gaze that said, "How naive you are."

Suddenly, Qin Yinong felt that this matter might not be so simple.

Ji Shulan asked, "What about the venue? And the officiant? How will the banquet be arranged? What kind of dishes should be served? Have you decided on the wedding favors? Have you designed the invitations? Have you chosen your wedding gown? And what about the bridesmaids? Have you picked their dresses?"

Qin Yinong said, "..."

Ji Shulan went on with a long list and sighed, then asked, "Have you been married before?"

Qin Yinong lowered her head.

Ji Shulan said, "When you have the chance, talk to Director Han, Han Yuping, right?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Yes."

Ji Shulan continued, "Give me his phone number. I'll discuss with them. You young people don't understand these etiquettes. Do you think getting married is just about the two of you?"

Qin Yinong was left speechless and buried her head in her congee, mumbling, "I'll give it to you later."

The wrinkles at the corner of Ji Shulan's eyes curved.

Qin Yinong had already informed Han Yuping about their visit yesterday. Han Yuping was originally in City G, but when he heard that she was bringing Tang Ruoyao and their daughter to his house for dinner, he rushed back by buying a plane ticket overnight.

A completely black sedan drove into the quiet downtown area, stopping at the entrance of a standalone quadrangle courtyard. Ancient locust trees towering for hundreds of years filled the courtyard, and faint bird chirping could be heard among the branches.

It felt as if they had been pulled into another time and even the flow of time seemed to slow down.

Tang Ruoyao looked up and saw a snow-white pigeon standing on the courtyard wall. Surprisingly, the pigeon wasn't afraid and curiously observed the three guests outside the gate with its rolling eyes.

Ningning excitedly pointed at the pigeon, and it flapped its wings and flew back into the courtyard.

Qin Yinong approached the door and knocked.

A gentle and soft female voice responded, "Coming."

The one who opened the door was Han Yuping's wife, Liang Shu. Liang Shu was in her fifties, with some white hair at her temples, but she was still a beautiful and elegant woman. She always wore cheongsams throughout the year, her long hair neatly arranged in a bun behind her head. Her manner was gentle, and her voice was melodious and pleasant to the ear.

Liang Shu came from a prestigious family with a long history in politics, but she had no interest in politics. Before retiring, she was a professor in the Chinese Department at P University.

"Auntie." Qin Yinong always unintentionally softened her voice when dealing with this elderly woman, afraid of disturbing the gentle and long years she carried.

Ningning and the Han Yuping couple had video chatted a few times, and she sweetly greeted them, "Grandma."

Liang Shu kindly responded and took out a prepared red envelope.

Ningning, being sensible, pushed it back and said, "I can't accept it."

Liang Shu looked at Qin Yinong, her lip curve showing a hint of helplessness, and said, "It's not much, just a token of goodwill. Let her accept it."

Qin Yinong spoke up, and only then did Ningning earnestly express her thanks, accepting the red envelope with both hands and carefully putting it in the pocket of her new clothes.

Liang Shu praised, "You've taught her well."

Qin Yinong touched Ningning's little head.

Ningning knew she was being praised, her small face blushed, and she revealed a shy smile.

Liang Shu's gaze finally fell on the young woman beside Qin Yinong. There was a flicker of teasing in her eyes, but her expression pretended to be clueless as she gracefully asked, "And who might this be..."

This mature and elegant elderly woman, who had been treated kindly by time, also had a playful side.

Qin Yinong gracefully put her arm around Tang Ruoyao's shoulder, a smile playing at the corners of her mouth, as she introduced, "This is Tang Ruoyao, my fiancée." Then she turned her head, gazing softly at Tang Ruoyao, and said, "Call her Auntie."

Tang Ruoyao's cheeks blushed slightly as she called out, "Auntie." Her voice was light but calm, like water flowing in a stream, unexpectedly bringing a sense of tranquility.

Liang Shu carefully examined her.

Her appearance was extraordinary, delicate and ethereal, but what was more admirable was the maturity and composure that didn't match her age.

Liang Shu discreetly averted her gaze and smiled, saying, "Come inside."

The four of them entered, surrounded by carved beams and painted rafters.

Tang Ruoyao glanced at the red envelope in Ningning's pocket, pursed her lips silently, and lowered her eyelids slightly.

Did she not receive a red envelope?

Qin Yinong tightened her grip on Tang Ruoyao's hand, her eyes filled with concern as she asked, "What's wrong?"

Tang Ruoyao shook her head, a smile tugging at the corner of her lips, mouthing back to her, "It's nothing."

Perhaps they would give it to her later, or maybe they would wait for the formal tea ceremony. Tang Ruoyao advised herself to be patient.

The three of them were led to the main hall, where a rectangle table was placed in the center. Two chairs were arranged on either side of the table, and in the middle hung a calligraphy piece with bold and vigorous strokes: "An old steed in the stable, aspiring to travel a thousand miles."

Qin Yinong asked, "Where's Uncle?"

Liang Shu replied, "He's in the study." She pointed to a room next door, her expression slightly helpless.

This three-section quadrangle courtyard was mainly occupied by Han Yuping and his wife, while the servants lived in the side rooms in the front courtyard.

Qin Yinong quickly understood the situation and smiled, saying, "I'll go and get him."

Han Yuping was probably still upset with her, delaying the dinner for months deliberately.

Liang Shu nodded in agreement.

Qin Yinong was worried that Tang Ruoyao would feel uncomfortable facing Liang Shu alone, so she took the initiative to hold her hand and gently sought her opinion, saying, "Would you like to come with me?"

Tang Ruoyao readily agreed and nodded immediately.

Liang Shu, who was watching them, raised an eyebrow in surprise.

She had known Qin Yinong for a similar amount of time as Han Yuping, but she had never seen Qin Yinong treat anyone so precious, as if she was afraid of letting go or losing them.

That's why even their daughter was left behind, and the fiancée must be kept close.

Liang Shu watched them head to the study, then lowered her head, holding Ningning's small hand, and kindly said, "Come, Grandma will take you to see the pigeons."

......

Han Yuping wore a pair of glasses on his nose, looking at Qin Yinong with a condescending gaze. He let out a cold snort from his nostrils, showing no interest in acknowledging her presence. He then glanced at Tang Ruoyao beside her and nodded in a friendly manner, saying, "Xiaotang, you're here."

Qin Yinong chuckled.

Han Yuping glared at her.

Unfazed, Qin Yinong continued to smile, even looking a little mischievous.

Han Yuping came up with a plan and suddenly said, "Old dog!"

Qin Yinong's smile froze.

Did Han Yuping have to embarrass her in front of Tang Ruoyao?

Han Yuping managed to salvage the situation and burst into laughter, creating folds on his face.

Tang Ruoyao gave Qin Yinong a comforting look.

After laughing enough, Han Yuping straightened his face and asked, "Didn't I ask you to bring Ningning? Where is she?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Auntie took her to play." She deliberately deceived Han Yuping and said, "As soon as she came in, she asked where Grandpa was. But when she didn't see you anywhere, she sadly asked me if you didn't like her."

"How is that possible!" Han Yuping widened his eyes and jumped up. "I'll go find her now!"

He took off his glasses and rushed out in a hurry.

They say that grandchildren bridge the generation gap. With the arrival of his granddaughter, Qin Yinong was no longer his most favored person.

Qin Yinong turned to look at Tang Ruoyao and jokingly said, "Now it's just the two of us relying on each other."

Tang Ruoyao looked at the empty courtyard and walked over. She gently kissed Qin Yinong's lips. Qin Yinong embraced her with one arm and deepened the kiss.

The study was decorated in an antique style. A gentle breeze blew in through the half-open window, and the long hair of the two intertwined together, as if a low-saturation vintage filter was added to the scene.

In the study, there was a reclining couch. Qin Yinong leaned lazily on it, supporting her chin with one hand, her eyes wandering as she looked at the young woman standing tall and focused in front of the sandalwood bookshelf.

Han Yuping had a rich collection of books, including many rare ones. Tang Ruoyao, being an intellectually curious young person, was temporarily more attracted to the books than to Qin Yinong. Qin Yinong didn't mind, as books were inanimate objects while people were alive.

After all, it was someone else's home. Tang Ruoyao picked out a book and reached out to take it from the bookshelf, but she quickly retracted her hand. A shadow fell over the bookshelf, and a fair and slender hand lifted the spine of the book she liked, pulling it out with two fingers.

Qin Yinong's gentle voice rang in her ear, "It's okay, take whatever you want."

Tang Ruoyao turned her head, her ear brushing against the woman's cool and soft lips.

Qin Yinong was taken aback. She looked at Tang Ruoyao's expression, but Tang Ruoyao met her gaze with a puzzled look, as if she had no idea what had just happened.

Qin Yinong thought to herself, was it unintentional?

But regardless, she couldn't just sit idly by and enjoy the scenery anymore.

Finally, Qin Yinong sat in the chair behind Han Yuping's desk, with Tang Ruoyao sitting in her lap. Qin Yinong wrapped her hands around the young woman's waist, rested her chin on her shoulder, lazily half-closed her eyes, and sniffed the faint fragrance of her lover's hair.

Tang Ruoyao flipped through a book she had read before and occasionally asked questions, to which Qin Yinong responded.

Qin Yinong had a good memory, especially when it came to written words, but it wasn't innate. In the early years of her career, when she was being exploited by her company, she took on twelve leading roles in a year, constantly filming and working on three or four projects simultaneously. She didn't even have time to memorize her lines, so she was forced to develop an extraordinary memory.

Han Yuping's study was naturally lit, and outside the door was a long corridor with aged bluestone tiles and carved jade railings. Being in such an environment for a long time, Qin Yinong couldn't help but feel a sense of drowsiness, and her eyelids became heavier and heavier.

Suddenly, her lap was empty. Qin Yinong didn't even open her eyes, but her body reacted faster than her brain, firmly pulling Tang Ruoyao back.

Tang Ruoyao fell back into the woman's embrace, looking at Han Yuping and Liang Shu standing in front of her, as well as Ningning, who covered her eyes. She felt embarrassed and anxious, struggling to get out, but Qin Yinong must have really fallen asleep as her arms tightened.

"Sleep a little longer." the woman murmured and naturally kissed Tang Ruoyao's temple.

Han Yuping and Liang Shu exchanged glances and took Ningning with them as they left, thoughtfully closing the study door. Through the gradually closing crack, Tang Ruoyao saw a relieved smile on Liang Shu's face.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

As a new daughter-in-law, she had completely lost face.

When Qin Yinong woke up and saw her disappointed expression, she asked curiously, "What's wrong?"

Tang Ruoyao calmly and calmly described what had happened earlier.

Qin Yinong pondered for a long time and said, "Oh."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Oh?"

Qin Yinong comforted her, "Well, they saw it too, and I can't erase their memories. It's okay, baby."

Tang Ruoyao wasn't comforted and complained, "It's all your fault."

Qin Yinong sincerely admitted, "Yes, it's my fault."

Tang Ruoyao turned her head away and sniffed.

Qin Yinong noticed something was amiss, turned her face, and saw her eyes slightly red, her expression dazed.

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips and softly said with grievance, "It's my first time coming here, and they saw me behaving so... impolitely. What if they have a negative opinion of me?"

Qin Yinong chuckled and felt sorry for her, "It's okay, they won't mind."

"It's not about whether they mind or not. I feel like I've been very rude."

"It's all my fault." Qin Yinong apologized again, even more sincerely than before.

"I don't blame you, I just wonder if they will think..." Tang Ruoyao hesitated.

"What would they think?"

A blush of embarrassment and awkwardness appeared on Tang Ruoyao's cheeks, and her voice lowered so that only the two of them could hear, "Will they think I'm the kind of vixen who likes to seduce you?"

After a moment of silence.

Laughter echoed from the study.

The two elderly people in the main hall raised their heads.

Liang Shu listened for a while, peeled the candy in her hand, handed it to Ningning, and smiled, "I've never heard her laugh so happily before."

Han Yuping looked at his wife with a gradually tender gaze. "Let me make you laugh."

Liang Shu scolded him with a glance, threw the candy wrapper at him, and said, "You shameless man."

Han Yuping picked up the candy wrapper from the ground, threw it into the nearby trash can, and laughed, "It doesn't matter, there's no one else here."

When he lowered his head, he saw Ningning blinking her eyes.

Han Yuping: "..."

He coughed uncomfortably, "I'll go wash the fruit. Ningning, what would you like to eat?"

Unexpectedly, Ningning said, "I want to go with Grandpa."

Han Yuping's sturdy straight-man heart instantly melted, almost shedding tears of joy.

.....

The Qin and Tang family of three had lunch at Han Yuping's place. During the meal, they discussed important matters. Han Yuping readily agreed and enthusiastically suggested recognizing Tang Ruoyao as his adoptive daughter, so that Ningning could rightfully call them grandpa and grandma.

They didn't need to worry about the wedding venue either. If they didn't mind, they could have it here. The place was spacious and had a high level of privacy, and their family's cooks were skilled in all six major Chinese culinary styles. Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao were initially undecided whether to have a Chinese or Western-style wedding. If they chose the courtyard, a Chinese wedding would be fitting.

Qin Yinong pondered for a moment. With a bright red phoenix coronet and a red wedding gown, complementing Tang Ruoyao's fair and delicate face, it would surely create a captivating scene, igniting a sense of anticipation within her.

Tang Ruoyao happened to look at her at that moment, and their gazes met in the air. Their hearts skipped a beat uncontrollably, and they both lowered their eyes.

Han Yuping continued to talk incessantly, while Liang Shu made appropriate additions from the side. When there was a difference of opinion, they engaged in a lively discussion.

Elders always enjoyed meddling in their children and grandchildren's wedding matters, and Qin Yinong didn't manage to get a word in.

She silently lowered her head and took a bite of the dish Tang Ruoyao had placed in her bowl.

...She and Ji Shulan definitely had a special connection.

After finishing the meal, Han Yuping stood with his hands behind his back and left Qin Yinong with a sentence, "Come to the study."

Qin Yinong saw his serious expression and decided not to bring Tang Ruoyao along. She squatted down and whispered a few words to Ningning. Tang Ruoyao was close enough to vaguely hear her say, "Take good care of Mommy and don't leave her side, okay?"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Ningning looked at Tang Ruoyao and nodded earnestly, "Okay."

Qin Yinong smiled at Tang Ruoyao encouragingly before heading towards the study.

The door closed behind them.

Han Yuping turned around, getting straight to the point, "How long do you two plan to keep this secret relationship?"

Qin Yinong was unsure, "It depends on the situation."

Han Yuping thought for a moment and asked, "She doesn't want to go public? Afraid it will affect her career?"

"It's not that," Qin Yinong hurriedly explained, "It's because of me."

"What? You want to have your cake and eat it too?" Han Yuping immediately glared, "I'll break your leg!"

Qin Yinong felt wronged. Han Yuping truly was her uncle, he could find fault with anything. She explained her reasons, not wanting Tang Ruoyao to be burdened by her reputation. She wanted to wait until the day she had cleared up her own affairs before openly announcing their relationship.

Han Yuping didn't care about public opinion at all, otherwise, he wouldn't have been involved in scandals with Qin Yinong for so many years and shielded her from criticism.

He thought Qin Yinong was idle because she was hiding something unrelated to him, but he didn't say anything and just made a noncommittal sound.

Qin Yinong paused for a moment and smiled bitterly, "Actually, what you said is right. It's not that she's afraid of affecting her career, but I'm afraid of affecting hers."

Han Yuping had a look of understanding, as if saying, "I knew it."

In modern-day China, the atmosphere around homosexuality was becoming more open, but being relatively open didn't mean it was universally accepted. Even in countries where homosexuality is legal, there are still many people who discriminate against it. On the surface, the internet may seem progressive, but there are many hidden homophobes lurking in the depths. There are also a significant number of people who claim not to discriminate against homosexuality but oppose its promotion, essentially wishing for homosexuality to remain in the shadows.

For an up-and-coming artist, coming out has consequences beyond public opinion—it can also impact their commercial value, and their career may experience a downturn.

Publicly coming out and declaring oneself as homosexual is a difficult path.

Being in a same-sex relationship with Qin Yinong is a brutal struggle.

However, Qin Yinong had never discussed this concern with Tang Ruoyao, so she didn't know if Tang Ruoyao had thought about it herself.

"Uncle," Qin Yinong suddenly looked up.

"Yes?"

"I have a favor to ask you."

"Speak."

"Aren't you planning to adopt her as your goddaughter?" Qin Yinong pursed her lips and asked, "Are you planning to do it privately or have a formal adoption ceremony to let everyone know?"

Han Yuping narrowed his eyes, understanding her meaning.

He had initially planned to adopt her privately, but Qin Yinong's implied meaning was clear—she wanted him to make it public.

Han Yuping's heart skipped a beat.

He didn't have any children, so a goddaughter would be like a daughter to him, someone to take care of him in his old age. The benefits that this identity would bring were immense, and Tang Ruoyao would likely be able to thrive in the industry.

Over the years, Han Yuping had treated Qin Yinong as his own, and their relationship was like that of father and daughter. But she had never mentioned wanting him to adopt her as her godfather. If she had taken the initiative, perhaps Han Yuping wouldn't have become so close to her.

Han Yuping preferred friendships based on mutual respect, without involving personal interests. It was true that Qin Yinong had initially approached him because of his status, but ultimately, it was for her own protection.

Now, it was for Tang Ruoyao's sake...

Han Yuping said in a serious tone, "I need some time to consider."

To be honest, he didn't feel very comfortable; he felt like he was being used.

Han Yuping's gaze turned cold as he looked at her, and Qin Yinong understood where the problem lay. She immediately said, "Uncle, please don't misunderstand me."

The coldness in Han Yuping's eyes subsided a bit, and he waited for her to continue.

Qin Yinong said, "Ruoyao needs someone to guide her into a higher circle. My identity is not suitable for the public eye."

Han Yuping remained expressionless. "So?"

Qin Yinong looked at him and said, "The only person I trust right now is you. I want to ask you to guide her."

Han Yuping listened and his gaze softened, but he still looked puzzled. He furrowed his brows and said, "Isn't she doing well now? She has acting roles, she's earning money, and you're backing her up. She's free and doesn't have to worry about pleasing people. Why does she have to get involved in the messy matters of the industry? Is she bored?"

Qin Yinong sighed and smiled, "Just consider her bored."

She also wanted to forever protect Tang Ruoyao within her solid fortress, fighting the battles alone. But she didn't want that. She also wanted to spread her wings, to be able to soar in the storm, and shelter Tang Ruoyao from the wind and rain.

Han Yuping thought for a moment and agreed, "Alright, I'll take care of her from now on. There's a private gathering this Saturday, ask her to make time and come with me."

Qin Yinong smiled gratefully, "Thank you, Uncle."

Han Yuping muttered, "Raising a child doesn't require as much effort as you do."

Qin Yinong couldn't contain her joy.

.......

Leaving the study, Qin Yinong let out a relaxed sigh. Tang Ruoyao held Ningning's hand as they walked gracefully in the center of the courtyard.

Qin Yinong saw that Liang Shu was not around and quickly walked over to embrace Tang Ruoyao. From behind, they heard Han Yuping coughing.

Tang Ruoyao was startled and quickly stepped back, only to see Han Yuping leisurely strolling into the corridor with his hands behind his back.

Tang Ruoyao asked, "What's wrong with Director Han?"

Qin Yinong said, "He has two granddaughters now, so he's happy."

Tang Ruoyao said, "...Ah?"

Qin Yinong cleared her throat and said with a serious expression, "Nothing, I was just kidding with you."

She held Tang Ruoyao's hand and said, "Let's go."

Tang Ruoyao was puzzled, "Where are we going?"

Qin Yinong raised her hand, turned around, and walked backward with a joyful smile on her lips. She laughed and said, "Let's go see our wedding venue."

.......

The family of three stayed at Han Yuping's place until 4 p.m. Before leaving, Liang Shu held Ningning tightly, her eyes swollen and glistening with tears, saying "Be a good granddaughter" on one side and "Remember to think of Grandma" on the other.

Qin Jianing, the newly crowned "husband killer," also hugged her tightly. Children are easily influenced by emotions, and her eyes were slightly red as she said, "I will miss Grandma a lot."

Liang Shu was deeply moved and reluctant to let go.

Han Yuping somehow managed to get a small backpack, filled with gifts and snacks for Ningning. He had an eager look on his face, but as a reserved man and with his wife taking charge, he could only repeatedly check if anything was missing from the backpack.

Ningning suddenly turned her head and said, "I will also miss Grandpa."

Qin Yinong saw Han Yuping's eyes welling up with tears.

Qin Yinong: "!!!"

Qin Yinong: "..."

A hint of worry arose in her heart, and she whispered to Tang Ruoyao, "Why do I feel like Ningning is so likable and will definitely attract a lot of suitors in the future?"

How old is Ningning? Tang Ruoyao found it amusing and whispered back, "You're overthinking it." After a pause, she said, "Mom."

Qin Yinong lightly glared at her.

Since you enjoy calling me "Mom" so much, I'll let you call me to your heart's content tonight.

After the two elders and the little one finished their farewells, it was already quarter past four.

Ningning sat in the child seat in the back, waving nonstop from the lowered car window, reluctant to leave. "Goodbye, Grandpa and Grandma."

Han Yuping & Liang Shu: "See you next time."

Qin Yinong advised, "Uncle and Aunt, you should go back now."

In the rearview mirror, Han Yuping took a few steps after them, still waving, holding the Peppa Pig keychain that Ningning gave him.

Ningning held her bulging little backpack and said, "Mom, I really like Grandpa and Grandma. Can I come again next time, please?"

Qin Yinong smiled and said, "Of course you can."

Ningning exclaimed, "I'm the happiest kid in the world right now."

Then her little head tilted, and she fell asleep with her head resting on the backpack.

Qin Yinong inexplicably felt her eyes welling up with tears and looked at Tang Ruoyao. Tang Ruoyao reached out her hand, and Qin Yinong turned her head, pressing her face into the warmth of Tang Ruoyao's palm.

Author's Note:

Qin Yinong: I'm also the happiest little girl in the world.

Tang Ruoyao: No, you're not. You're my mom.

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