CHAPTER 184

Ningning woke up, her little face rosy and flushed. She held the child's water cup that Qin Yinong handed her and drank water through the straw, quietly listening to the two moms discussing work matters.

She really liked the atmosphere when Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao were together. She liked it even more than when Qin Yinong was alone with her before.

Children can feel love, and living in an environment filled with love silently nurtures their physical and mental development. It was obvious that Ningning's personality had become much more cheerful compared to when Tang Ruoyao first met her.

"Do you have time on Saturday evening?" Qin Yinong asked.

Tang Ruoyao pondered for a few seconds, her expression ambiguous, and said, "...Yes."

She inevitably had a twisted thought in her mind. The two of them thoroughly enjoyed that aspect of their relationship, indulging in it every night. This morning was even more outrageous.

People are different, and perhaps Qin Yinong's age or individual differences made her particularly enthusiastic about it. Even before they were together, she frequently satisfied herself. Tang Ruoyao occasionally had thoughts too, but she chose to close her eyes and not think about anything once she fell asleep. Now, with the romantic and affectionate atmosphere, the situation could be imagined.

Qin Yinong had held Tang Ruoyao, who obediently nestled in her arms and closed her eyes, and showered her lips, cheeks, every gaze, and every movement with tender kisses, expressing her infatuation.

As for Tang Ruoyao? She always listened to her and didn't mind it. But was it happening a little too frequently? Nowadays, every morning she woke up, even if they didn't do anything during the night, she vaguely felt sore in her waist. It was almost becoming a conditioned reflex.

The last time she left home for a shoot and Xin Qian waited for her beside the car, Xin Qian jokingly said, "Hahaha, Tang Tang, are you pregnant?"

Tang Ruoyao remained expressionless.

Xin Qian wisely shut her mouth.

At the shooting location, she saw Mu Qingwu, who understood the subtle changes between them. As an experienced person, she immediately knew what had happened. She clicked his tongue and said, "You're living a pretty comfortable life."

After the shoot, she quietly gossiped with her, "Hey, is your partner impressive?"

Tang Ruoyao chuckled, "Guess."

Mu Qingwu burst into laughter, a laugh that made her look very deserving of a beating, lacking the demeanor of an elder sister.

Tang Ruoyao put on her eye mask, isolating herself from the world... silently reminiscing.

Indulging in private is one thing, but what was inappropriate today was doing it in front of the child. When did Qin Yinong become so tactless?

Her thoughts quickly shifted, and her gaze revealed a slight hint of blame and annoyance.

Qin Yinong: "Hmm?"

Tang Ruoyao signaled with her eyes, saying, "Let's talk about it at home."

Ningning took a bite of the straw.

Qin Yinong understood and burst into laughter.

Ningning also laughed, like a little silver bell.

She didn't know what happened, but when Qin Yinong laughed, she wanted to laugh too.

Tang Ruoyao immediately realized that she had misunderstood something, her pretty face turning red, almost wanting to bury herself in the ground.

Fortunately, there was a child present, so Qin Yinong wouldn't openly tease her. She silently stored this incident in her heart, planning to bring it up and tease each other when they were alone. Qin Yinong cleared her throat and said, "Director Han has a small gathering on Saturday and wants to take you with me."

Tang Ruoyao didn't grasp the point for a moment and asked subconsciously, "Are you going too?"

Qin Yinong replied, "I'm not going."

Tang Ruoyao was puzzled, "Then why is he taking me alone?"

Qin Yinong looked at her steadily.

With their strong connection and in the blink of an eye, Tang Ruoyao understood and said, "It's you..."

Qin Yinong didn't hide it and admitted, "It's me."

There was no distance or self-concealment between them. Qin Yinong directly asked, "Do you mind?"

Tang Ruoyao honestly answered, "A little bit." She made a gesture with her thumb and index finger, indicating a tiny amount smaller than a fingernail.

Qin Yinong began to feel that the child was getting in the way, standing between the two of them. She couldn't even hold Tang Ruoyao in her arms, so she reached out and held her hand, gently caressing the back of her smooth hand with her thumb. She said softly, "Can you accept it then?"

Tang Ruoyao nodded with a smile.

"Of course I can."

Society is a network of relationships, and the more rigid the hierarchy, the harder it is to take a step up. Tang Ruoyao wasn't foolish, she wouldn't let go of the excellent resources right in front of her. She had struggled for years, and even with blood, sweat, and tears, she might not be able to touch the threshold of that circle, likely ending up in vain. Some persistence is necessary, while some is pointless.

She could distinguish between the important and the trivial.

And she understood the underlying affection behind this support.

Thanking someone felt too distant for Tang Ruoyao, her emotions intertwined, and she finally reached out and held Qin Yinong's five fingers, saying earnestly, "I will definitely catch up to you."

Qin Yinong smiled.

"Then you have to work even harder," she said, "I won't stay in one place waiting for you to catch up."

Both of them were people who would strive forward.

Tang Ruoyao raised her chin slightly and said, "I'm young, I can run faster than you."

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow and smiled lightly, saying in a soft voice, "I'll be watching closely."

Ningning's young mind faced a test she shouldn't have at her age.

A while ago, her moms said they were getting married, and today they came to see her grandparents and said they were engaged. Now Mommy says she hasn't won over Mom yet. The adult world is so complicated, and as a little child, she really can't understand it.

Ningning held her water cup and sighed like an old person.

.......

On Saturday, Tang Ruoyao was going to attend a gathering in a small circle with Han Yuping, so Qin Yinong decided to give her a crash course in advance.

Where there are people, there is a world. In the early years, the entertainment industry was divided into several influential groups based on regions, such as the famous Beijing Circle, Hong Kong Circle, Shanghai Circle, Northwest Circle, and so on. Each circle had influential figures who held great significance. However, this was just a superficial understanding for outsiders. The intricate relationships and faction divisions within were only known by those inside the circle.

Most of the Beijing Circle originated from the "Big Courtyard." Han Yuping was not from a wealthy family, but his wife, Liang Shu, was. Her family was prominent, and they were well-known throughout the capital. Han Yuping came from a poor background, a struggling young man who came to the capital to attend university. He unexpectedly met Liang Shu, a literary young woman, at that time. Liang Shu was afraid of scaring him away, so at first, she only said that she came from a moderately well-off family. It wasn't until they discussed marriage and met each other's parents that Han Yuping discovered the true situation of her family.

Naturally, the Liang family did not agree to marry their precious daughter to an unknown and poor young man, and they strongly opposed it. Liang Shu even suggested eloping with Han Yuping, but he stopped her. He believed it was a highly irresponsible act, and he didn't want Liang Shu to leave her hometown for him and regret it in the future.

As Tang Ruoyao listened to Qin Yinong recounting this story, a familiar feeling suddenly arose within her. When she saw the faint mockery in Qin Yinong's eyes, she remembered where she had felt it before, and she couldn't help but sigh.

It was the same story of a wealthy young woman falling in love with a poor young man. Back then, Qin Hongjian had boldly eloped with Ji Shulan, and not only that, he didn't treasure the wife who had given up everything for him, resulting in the tragedy of two generations.

"What happened afterward?" She didn't want Qin Yinong to dwell in the past, so she took the initiative to ask.

Qin Yinong shook her head, smiled, and said, "Actually, it was a test set up by Liang Shu's parents for my uncle."

"A test?" Tang Ruoyao blurted out, "Does that mean the elopement Mom mentioned was fake?"

Qin Yinong's eyes filled with amusement. Tang Ruoyao's use of "Mom" sounded even more natural than her. Tang Ruoyao felt uncomfortable under her gaze, her ears gradually heating up, and she urged softly, "Tell me quickly."

Qin Yinong nodded and made a sound, "It was fake. If my uncle had really agreed, Liang Shu would have questioned their relationship. Even if she loved him deeply, she is fundamentally a very rational and clear-headed person."

Tang Ruoyao's lips moved, but she closed them again.

Qin Yinong reached out and playfully tickled Tang Ruoyao's chin, asking her, "Hmm? What did you want to say?"

Tang Ruoyao quickly shook her head and said it was nothing.

Qin Yinong narrowed her eyes and said, "Were you thinking that my mom is brainless?"

Tang Ruoyao immediately swore, "Absolutely not!"

Qin Yinong smirked and said, "Regardless of whether you were or not, that's how I thought about it."

Tang Ruoyao exclaimed, "Huh?"

Qin Yinong glanced at her and asked, "Do you think I'm rebellious?"

Tang Ruoyao, with her chin still resting in Qin Yinong's hand, looked up at her with a submissive expression and said, "No, I think you're very honest."

Empty flattery.

But Qin Yinong was pleased by it and lowered her eyes with a smile.

She continued, "So this incident became a turning point in the relationship between my uncle and his in-laws."

In the past, when a daughter was married off, it was to provide her with a reliance. The Liang family valued social status, but they cared more about whether the chosen son-in-law sincerely treated their daughter. The more they got to know Han Yuping, the more they discovered his outstanding talent, modest personality, and his potential that the older generation favored. Most importantly, Han Yuping was an only child, but he was willing to marry into the Liang family.

At that time, Han Yuping had already gained some fame. The films he directed had received prestigious industry awards, and in his early twenties, he was considered a prodigious talent. He could have made a name for himself without relying on the Liang family. Moreover, even though he had an average appearance, his talent shone through, and his future was limitless. He was highly sought after by eligible women, and there were many who introduced their daughters to him or recommended themselves, including high-ranking officials and wealthy individuals.

Tang Ruoyao thought about Han Yuping's usual serious expression and found it hard to imagine that he had once captivated thousands of young girls. She couldn't help but smile.

The Liang family remained composed. If Han Yuping had been swayed by their wealth, it would have meant he wasn't the right person for their daughter.

The result was obvious. Han Yuping not only remained steadfast, but he also personally went to the Liang family to clarify the rumors and express his intentions, declaring his willingness to marry into the family. It was a humbling act for a man to marry into his wife's family.

The elderly couple was finally moved and agreed to the marriage.

The past was brief to recount, but for those involved, it was a vivid and thrilling journey.

Qin Yinong suddenly sighed and said, "I wonder what Ningning will say about us to her future partner when she grows up?"

Tang Ruoyao imagined a scene several years later and her brows unconsciously softened. She fantasized, "She would probably say that both of us went through some minor difficulties, but we overcame them successfully. Since then, we've lived a peaceful and happy life without any storms, and we've spent a lifetime of happiness."

Qin Yinong gently added, "And we'll continue to be happy forever."

Tang Ruoyao nestled in Qin Yinong's embrace and gently rubbed her forehead against her soft chin.

Qin Yinong held her tightly and continued to softly introduce the factions within the industry.

Han Yuping relied on the Liang family, so he belonged to the Beijing circle. However, he had a somewhat unique aspect—he was born and raised in the northwest, so he integrated well into that circle. Han Yuping was a director with great skill. Unlike Lin Guo'an, he excelled at networking, which is why he gained a prominent position in the industry over the years.

The Liang family and the Lin family had been close for generations. Lin Ruohan was also from a prestigious family, and she and Han Yuping were part of the same circle. Qin Yinong attached herself to Han Yuping's circle, which is why she had a good relationship with Lin Ruohan...

Qin Yinong shared almost everything she knew about the factions, their conflicts, and the intricacies of their power struggles.

As one of the elite few at the top of the pyramid, Qin Yinong possessed knowledge that Tang Ruoyao couldn't access in her daily life. Tang Ruoyao listened with wide-eyed astonishment, her jaw dropping in disbelief. Some actors she thought had long faded away had actually transitioned into the shadows, now occupying high positions and no longer bothering to compete with the small fry at the bottom of the food chain.

Qin Yinong couldn't help but find Tang Ruoyao's adorable reaction amusing. She playfully patted her lover's head and unintentionally adopted a teacher's tone, earnestly educating her, saying, "So, when judging people and situations, don't just focus on the surface. You never know who truly holds the capital."

Tang Ruoyao tilted her head back, blinked her eyes, and said, "But I have you, don't I?"

Qin Yinong smiled, her eyes glimmering, and couldn't resist kissing her again and again.

At half-past three in the afternoon, Qin Yinong personally picked out an outfit for Tang Ruoyao. She wore a light blue waist-hugging dress, complemented by a light-colored silk shawl and high heels. Tang Ruoyao had a tall and slender figure, with all her curves accentuated in whatever she wore.

Even though her attire was relatively conservative, Qin Yinong restrained herself from wrapping Tang Ruoyao in a quilt. She accompanied her to Han Yuping's house and repeatedly instructed him to take good care of her.

Han Yuping grew annoyed and grumbled, "Are you done yet?"

Liang Shu, standing nearby, spoke gently, "She's handing her wife over to you. What's wrong with saying a few more words?"

Han Yuping suppressed his anger and patiently listened to Qin Yinong's chatter.

At five o'clock, Han Yuping took Tang Ruoyao to the banquet, while Qin Yinong watched as their vehicle disappeared into the depths of the road. She then turned and met Liang Shu's teasing gaze.

"You can't bear to part with her, huh?" Liang Shu, particularly shameless in front of others, was different from Qin Yinong. It was as if she had caught her daughter's secret thoughts. Qin Yinong blushed under her gaze.

She nodded slightly, her embarrassment evident.

Liang Shu felt at ease and smiled mischievously, saying, "We've been through the same thing."

Qin Yinong was so embarrassed that her face felt hot. She held onto Liang Shu's arm and lowered her gaze, saying, "It's windy outside. Let me help you inside first."

Liang Shu raised her hand and covered the back of the hand resting on her arm. She let go only after they entered the hall.

Little Ningning had a day off today and had come along. She sat on Liang Shu's lap, enjoying the joy of family harmony.

However, Qin Yinong's mind wandered elsewhere.

Liang Shu could see that her mind was elsewhere, but she didn't say anything. She squinted her eyes and looked into the courtyard, her expression revealing a touch of nostalgia: "Youth is good, indeed."

Both of their phones vibrated simultaneously.

Liang Shu glanced at the caller ID, and a smile appeared at the corners of her eyes, as if she had suddenly regained her youth. There was a hint of affection in her gaze as she stood up, nodded apologetically to Qin Yinong, and gracefully walked away.

"Have you arrived?" Her voice was sweet as honey, gentle and filled with excitement.

Qin Yinong heard the elderly person speaking and lowered her head to check her phone.

Tang Ruoyao: [I've arrived.]

Qin Yinong suddenly felt a bit sour.

In terms of displaying affection, she had lost to a couple who had been married for almost forty years. She was still in the honeymoon phase!

Didn't Tang Ruoyao see that Han Yuping had called? Couldn't she call back?

Little did Tang Ruoyao know that her lover was feeling annoyed. When she didn't receive a response, she sent another message: [Baby?]

The "Baby" was furious.

Qin Yinong controlled her emotions, forced a smile, and replied: [Who have you met so far?]

Tang Ruoyao said: [We haven't gone in yet. Han director wanted to make a phone call to report to his family. Aren't you with Aunt Liang?]

Qin Yinong glanced at Liang Shu, whose back exuded sweetness, and in front of her, there were only cold words. She felt even more frustrated in her heart and replied: [No, I'm alone.]

Tang Ruoyao: [Are you available to take a call?]

Qin Yinong immediately responded: [Yes!]

Tang Ruoyao looked at the exclamation mark and was momentarily confused, but she didn't think much about it and made the call. Generally, women in love treat their partners like babies, and Tang Ruoyao asked softly, as if coaxing a child, "Why are you alone?"

Qin Yinong couldn't help but smile, biting her lip. She walked to the courtyard before replying, "I came out to get some fresh air."

"Don't catch a cold. Did you put on a jacket?"

Qin Yinong lowered her head, unaffected, and glanced at the lining of her sweater. Warmth filled her heart as she replied, "Yes, I am."

"That's good. I..." Tang Ruoyao's words abruptly stopped, and she said, "Director Han has finished his call and is coming back."

"You go ahead. We can talk tonight."

"Okay, I..." Tang Ruoyao hesitated for the second time.

Qin Yinong: "Hmm?"

Tang Ruoyao opened her mouth, formed a "love" gesture, bit her lower lip, and hesitated to say, whispering softly, "I miss you."

"I also..." Qin Yinong turned her head, made sure no one was watching her, raised her finger to tuck her hair behind her ear, lowered her gaze to the ground, and softly said, "I miss you too."

.......

Qin Yinong entered the house and came face to face with Liang Shu, who was still caressing the edge of the phone.

The two exchanged smiles.

Ningning looked at them, then looked at this and that, feeling that the two of them were smiling happily, and she smiled too.

......

The family of three had made plans to stay overnight before coming. They had brought their clothes.

Ningning took a bath and changed into her pajamas. For some reason, she ran around the room, laughing while running. Liang Shu chased after her, panting, holding her little jacket. Qin Yinong heard the noise and quickly walked in from the courtyard, calling out, "Qin Jianing!"

Ningning immediately stopped and stood still, bowing her head.

Liang Shu approached and helped her put on the jacket.

Qin Yinong asked, "Why were you running?"

Ningning glanced at her, then lowered her head and said, "I wanted to play with Grandma."

Qin Yinong angrily said, "Is this how you play?"

Ningning remained silent.

Qin Yinong continued, "You're so happy, are you proud of yourself?"

Ningning hung her head and sniffled.

A mere child dared to act in front of her? Qin Yinong sneered coldly in her heart, unmoved by the act. "Why didn't I see you cry like this before? Lift your head up."

Liang Shu leaned on the table, panting, feeling heartbroken, and hurriedly defended the child, "Yes, I asked her to play with me. Don't scold her."

Qin Yinong: "..."

Indeed, elderly people couldn't change their habit of doting on their grandchildren. Love hadn't clouded Liang Shu's judgment. The grandparent-grandchild relationship had completely made her lose her rationality.

Qin Yinong stood between the two of them, picked up Ningning and went back to the bedroom, closed the door, and had a private talk.

Liang Shu was so anxious that she paced outside the door like an ant on a hot pan.

"Don't hit her, don't scold her, you must reason with her."

Suddenly, Ningning's loud crying came from inside.

Liang Shu almost rushed in and shouted at the door, "Did you hit her?!"

After a while, the crying gradually subsided. Qin Yinong came out with Ningning, whose eyes were still red and swollen, hanging on her fair and translucent little face, looking pitiful.

"Grandma!" Ningning threw herself into Liang Shu's arms, sobbing, opening her mouth as if she was about to cry again.

Qin Yinong coughed and had a stern expression on her face.

Ningning choked back her sobs and looked at Qin Yinong, saying, "I'm sorry, Grandma. I shouldn't have only thought about myself without considering your feelings. I won't run around anymore. If you tell me to stop, I will."

"It's okay, Grandma is not angry." Liang Shu's heart was melting, how could she make a fuss about such a small matter? She hugged Ningning and kissed her on the cheek twice.

Ningning looked at Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong said, "The matter happened between you and Grandma. If she forgives you, it's fine. Recognize your mistake and make a change. You're still a good child."

Ningning opened her arms and looked at her expectantly.

Qin Yinong crouched down and gently embraced her.Ning Ning rested her chin on Qin Yinong's shoulder and whispered, "Mom, I also did something wrong. I shouldn't have made you angry. I'm sorry."

Qin Yinong cupped her little face with both hands and kissed the tip of her nose.

"I accept your apology."

They reconciled.

Liang Shu also breathed a sigh of relief. Qin Yinong privately told her not to spoil the child, to educate her properly, and she nodded earnestly, as if she was listening to a teacher's advice when she was a student.

......

Tang Ruoyao returned home at eleven o'clock in the evening and got ready for bed. The two sat side by side at the head of the bed, and Qin Yinong listened to the things that happened when she was away, her expression subtle.

Qin Yinong: "Why are you smiling?"

Tang Ruoyao glanced at her, with a "I dare not, I dare not" look, and smiled, saying, "It's nothing."

Qin Yinong pretended to be angry and said, "Tell me."

Tang Ruoyao smiled to herself for a while before saying, "I was just thinking... I wonder if I also want to become Liang Shu's mother."

Qin Yinong clenched her teeth, squeezed out a sentence from between her teeth, and said, "Say that again."

Tang Ruoyao slipped away happily and dove into the blanket, but a muffled voice came from inside, "You made me say it."

"When did I—" Qin Yinong couldn't be bothered to argue with her and also got under the blanket.

They started to play around, and laughter filled the air.

For a while.

The blanket was lifted, and both of their faces were flushed, smiling.

Qin Yinong propped herself up on one elbow, with her other hand's thumb gently pressing against the corner of her lips, smiling meaningfully as she said, "The soundproofing in Uncle's house isn't good, so later... speak softly."

Tang Ruoyao raised an elegant eyebrow and asked in return, "Why don't you speak softly?"

"Well then... let's see who's better at it." Qin Yinong's eyes deepened, and she leaned in for a kiss.

In the end, no one really cared about whose voice was louder or softer. They embraced each other and fell asleep.

Ningning slept with Han Yuping and his wife. The next morning, she proactively came to knock on the door. Tang Ruoyao had her eyes closed and felt drowsy in her mind. She had just reached halfway up the mountain when the child's "Mommy" startled her.

Qin Yinong crawled out of the bed, her face unusually flushed, her lips slightly glistening with a hint of moisture. Surprised, she said, "Why is she up so early?"

Tang Ruoyao remained silent for a moment and said, "...Maybe elderly people have an earlier daily routine."

Qin Yinong made an "oh" sound and asked, "Should we... get up too?"

Tang Ruoyao thought to herself, 'What else can we do?'

Qin Yinong looked disappointed, and Tang Ruoyao's gaze fell on her moist lips. Her ears turned warm, and she uncomfortably averted her eyes, urging, "Go brush your teeth and wash your face quickly."

Qin Yinong said aggrievedly, "But I haven't put on clothes yet."

Tang Ruoyao handed her the clothes, or more accurately, threw them over.

Qin Yinong flashed a foxy smile.

Before Tang Ruoyao could get angry or embarrassed, she called out from outside the door, "Get up, go find Grandpa and Grandma first." After that, she untied the headband she was wearing, shook her long hair, and walked into the bathroom.

The three generations of the family had a lively breakfast together.

On the table, Han Yuping praised Tang Ruoyao's excellent calligraphy with a brush, and Tang Ruoyao shyly played down her skills, while Qin Yinong graciously accepted the praise on her behalf.

In elite circles, especially among those who consider themselves cultured individuals, whether they truly possess culture or not, they must maintain an appearance of refinement. Tang Ruoyao showcased her talent at the banquet last night, although it may not have caused a sensation since Han Yuping's calligraphy was already renowned in the circle. However, it undoubtedly earned her respect and admiration, setting a good precedent.

The initial success was achieved, and everything went smoothly.

With Han Yuping as her guide, Tang Ruoyao believed that things would continue to go well in the future.

They happily stayed until nine o'clock before Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao bid farewell, accompanied by Ning Ning.

As they entered their home, they noticed a silver convertible parked in the open garage. It was a new car with a new license plate. Qin Yinong didn't recognize it, but the only person who would boldly park a sports car in her garage was Miss Ji Yunyao.

Upon entering, taking off their shoes, they indeed found Ji Yunyao sitting on the sofa, flipping through a magazine with nothing to do.

"You're back." she said, behaving like the head of the family, casually glancing up.

Qin Yinong didn't bother with her childish behavior and simply responded, "Yes, we're back."

Ji Yunyao suddenly fell silent.

She remembered the purpose of her visit, pursed her lips, and said, "Qin Hongjian plans to expose the relationship between the two of you."

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