CHAPTER 201

Just because Tang Ruoyao said that word like that, the two of them started another play-fight.

If they kept playing, it would soon be dark. Qin Yinong reluctantly stopped and reached out to pinch Tang Ruoyao's cheek, saying seriously, "I really have to go work now."

Tang Ruoyao smiled softly and said, "Go ahead."

With Tang Ruoyao acting like this, how could Qin Yinong leave?

Tang Ruoyao kept Qin Yinong by her side for a few more minutes before picking up the handheld gaming console from the side. She lowered her head and stopped looking at Qin Yinong, saying, "I'll play The Legend of Zelda for a while. Call me when you're done."

Qin Yinong let out a sigh of relief, rubbed the young woman's ear, and turned to leave.

Tang Ruoyao wasn't particularly interested in the game. She used to play because Wen Shuxian liked it, and she was just keeping her company as a friendly dorm mate. Now that she was alone, her phone screen lit up, and she put down the console and picked up her phone.

The bridesmaids from Room 405 were mentioning her.

Invincible Beauty [Wen Shuxian]: [Sis, have you returned to Beijing? Say something! The person getting married tomorrow seems so unconcerned @Tang Ruoyao]

Tang Ruoyao quickly typed: [Yes, I'm back.] Feeling a bit guilty, she added, [Just landed not long ago.]

Wen Shuxian: [I'm off work now. Taking the evening flight. On my way to the airport.]

Tang Ruoyao: [Take care.]

Wen Shuxian: [Sigh, who's with whom now?]

Tang Ruoyao: [@Cui Jiaran @Fu Yujun]

Cui Jiaran popped up: [Ready.]

Fu Yujun didn't reply until 7 o'clock, saying: [My flight is in the early morning. I'll arrive tomorrow morning.]

Qin and Tang's wedding followed Chinese traditions, but the ancient rituals were too cumbersome to fully adhere to. They never planned for a grand ceremony, so in the end, they decided on a set of procedures themselves.

One of the rules was that the bride and groom couldn't see each other the day before the wedding. It was impossible for them, but sleeping together was absolutely not allowed. So Tang Ruoyao would be staying at Han Yuping's house tonight, accompanied by two bridesmaids—Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran. The sisters wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk.

No wonder Tang Ruoyao clung to Qin Yinong. Finally returning home but unable to share the same bed was too difficult for a couple in the honeymoon phase. Fortunately, it was only for this one night.

Qin Yinong focused for a while in the outer room before starting to handle her work.

The delay had cost her a lot of time, and the tasks that were supposed to be finished before regular working hours were now dragging into the evening. Qin Yinong closed the final folder, shut down the computer, stood up, stretched lazily, and gently pushed open the door to the rest room.

Tang Ruoyao was already asleep.

Before falling asleep, Tang Ruoyao was probably playing a game. Her head tilted on the pillow, and one hand emerged from the blanket, revealing a beautiful and snow-white forearm. Her thick eyelashes covered her bright and radiant eyes.

Her long hair was slightly messy from sleep, covering her delicate brows and eyes. Her red lips were slightly parted as she breathed evenly and lightly.

Qin Yinong sat on the edge of the bed and gently brushed away the disheveled hair, revealing a jade-like face.

She leaned down and accurately found the young woman's delicate lips, kissing her.

From a shallow kiss to a deep one, Qin Yinong slowly adjusted Tang Ruoyao's head.

Tang Ruoyao woke up, lazily opened her eyelids, recognized the person who was kissing her, and closed them again.

After a long and almost suffocating kiss, Tang Ruoyao sat up slightly and looked at the city lights outside the window. Her voice was hoarse as she asked, "What time is it?"

Qin Yinong traced her delicate eyebrows with her fingertips and said, "It's almost seven o'clock."

"At what time did we arrange to meet Director Han at his house?"

"Nine o'clock." The old man went to bed early, so Qin Yinong didn't want to disturb them too late.

They had two hours left. Tang Ruoyao needed to visit Ningning and Ji Shulan at the Qin family before heading to Han's house. She hadn't had dinner yet, and time was running out, but the two of them were still entangled together, not moving at all.

Another ten minutes passed, and Tang Ruoyao lightly tapped Qin Yinong's arm that was around her and smiled, saying, "We're running late."

Reluctantly, Qin Yinong let go and murmured something. She brought Tang Ruoyao's clothes over and helped her put them on before they headed home together.

"Mommy!"

As soon as Tang Ruoyao entered the house, a figure ran over. Tang Ruoyao bent down just in time, and Ningning threw herself into her arms, hugging her tightly. "I missed you so much."

Tang Ruoyao touched the child's head and gently said, "Mommy missed you too."

Tang Ruoyao greeted Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang.

After exchanging a few words with the child, Tang Ruoyao walked up to Tang Fei and made a comparison, satisfied as she said, "Looks like you've grown a little taller."

Tang Fei smiled, revealing her white teeth.

Qin Jianing, who was nearby, dissatisfiedly said, "Mommy, I've also grown taller!"

Tang Ruoyao turned around and measured her height, praising, "That's great."

It had been a long time since she last visited home, and everyone seemed eager to talk to her. Tang Ruoyao planned to sit on the sofa in the living room, but Qin Yinong gestured to her with her eyes. Tang Ruoyao understood and said, "I have something to take care of."

Qin Yinong pulled her upstairs.

The others remained downstairs, and Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang exchanged a glance.

Tang Fei clicked her tongue.

The three of them saw through everything.

What do they have to do? Everyone knew they went to be affectionate again.

Only Ningning hadn't caught on to this aspect yet. She tugged at Tang Fei's sleeve and said softly, "Uncle, I want to hear a story."

Tang Fei said, "Alright, I'll tell you one."

Ever since Qin Yinong went to W City, the task of telling bedtime stories naturally fell to Tang Fei. Tang Fei embarked on a joyful life of being both an uncle and a parent.

Master bedroom on the second floor.

Qin Yinong held Tang Ruoyao's shoulders with both hands and gently swayed back and forth, humming a coquettish "mm" sound from her nose.

Tang Ruoyao felt like melting, but she forced herself to stay focused. She gently patted her back with one hand and soothingly said, "It's just one night. Endure it, and it will pass. Hasn't a week already gone by? Be good."

Qin Yinong replied, "No."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Just live with me."

Regardless of etiquette, there's no wife greater than her.

However, Qin Yinong said, "That's not allowed."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Then endure it."

Qin Yinong said, "No."

Tang Ruoyao was completely helpless and chuckled, "Then tell me what to do."

Qin Yinong remained silent, teasingly humming in her ear.

Tang Ruoyao simply hummed along with her. After they finished humming, she even let out two fake cries.

Qin Yinong was amused, and her face lifted from Tang Ruoyao's shoulder as she said, "You're so annoying."

Tang Ruoyao laughed, "Hahaha."

Although there was some reluctance, it wasn't that exaggerated. It was just a little fun between lovers. After playing enough, Qin Yinong took a set of clean clothes from the wardrobe for her and put them in a bag, saying, "The wedding dress is with Uncle. I'll go there again tomorrow morning at nine o'clock. The wedding will take place in the evening."

Tang Ruoyao took the bag and asked, "Aren't you going to escort me tonight?"

Qin Yinong said, "I will. I just..."

She paused and sighed.

Tang Ruoyao intuitively knew, "We're going to be separated. Don't know what to say?"

Qin Yinong nodded.

Tang Ruoyao blinked and said, "Let me teach you."

Qin Yinong looked at her with a seeking guidance expression.

Tang Ruoyao blushed a little, cleared her throat, and softly said, "Wait for me to come and marry you."

Qin Yinong pursed her lips.

Tang Ruoyao put on a brave face but didn't get the desired result. Feeling a bit embarrassed, she laughed a few times to ease the awkwardness. She raised the paper bag in her hand and changed the subject, saying, "I'm hungry, let's go downstairs."

Qin Yinong watched her figure and a hint of amusement appeared in her eyes.

The two of them had a simple dinner, and the driver drove them to Han's house.

Cui Jiaran and Wen Shuxian arrived slightly earlier than her. They each paid their respects to Han Yuping and Liang Shu and stood by the gate waiting when they heard the sound of a car. The courtyard had a double-door entrance that opened inward, and the two of them happened to be hiding behind the door.

As soon as Tang Ruoyao entered, she saw a festively decorated old locust tree in the center of the courtyard, covered with red silk. Before she could say anything, two figures suddenly rushed out from her left and right, shouting at her.

"Boo!"

Not only Tang Ruoyao, even Qin Yinong was startled and took two steps back. She didn't forget to grab Tang Ruoyao's arm and shield her behind her.

Wen Shuxian laughed heartily with her hands on her hips, "Hahahaha."

Cui Jiaran also had a mischievous smile on her face.

Tang Ruoyao pressed her chest, her heart still racing. "You scared me."

Qin Yinong recognized the two of them and let go of Tang Ruoyao's arm, stepping aside.

Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran saw her and immediately put on a well-behaved appearance. They exchanged a glance and simultaneously said loudly, "Hello, sister-in-law!"

Although Tang Tang seemed a bit weaker and was even more helpless being shielded, they had to give her face! It was also face for the 405!

Qin Yinong hesitated for a second, nodded with a smile, and gently said, "Hello."

Wen Shuxian grinned, "Sister-in-law, we're taking Tang Tang to play."

Qin Yinong replied, "Go ahead."

Tang Ruoyao only told Qin Yinong to inform her before leaving. She was then dragged away by her roommates without a word. The front yard only had some flowers and plants, and Tang Ruoyao's attention was completely diverted by her roommates. As they passed through the hanging flower gate and entered the main residence, she was stunned.

Everywhere her gaze fell, it was filled with festive bright red.

Every tree in front of the house was adorned with vibrant red ribbons, and the covered walkway was adorned with two rows of red lanterns that seemed endless.

The most prominent feature was undoubtedly a wing room with a large red "囍" [Double Happiness] character pasted on it. It wasn't lit up, so it appeared pitch black from the outside. However, when Tang Ruoyao's gaze fell on it, her heart skipped a beat.

Wen Shuxian was also curious and said, "We just arrived and haven't had a chance to see it. Let's go together."

The three of them walked to the front of the door, and Wen Shuxian and Cuiran stepped back tacitly, allowing Tang Ruoyao to open the door.

The light from outside flooded in, revealing a setup resembling an ancient bridal chamber. Tang Ruoyao stood there for a few seconds before finding the switch on the wall and turning it on.

The three of them could finally see the decorations inside.

The main hall, decorative couplets, dragon and phoenix candles—all in vibrant red.

Red silk curtains hung from the edge of the bed, and a red brocade quilt embroidered with playing mandarin ducks was neatly folded on the bed. Wen Shuxian took a few steps inside, her mouth wide open, and took a breath. After a while, she propped up her dropped jaw and murmured, "Even when I got married in the movies, it wasn't this grand."

Tang Ruoyao shifted her gaze from the double happiness candles and followed Wen Shuxian's line of sight.

In the center of the bed lay two sets of handmade embroidered bridal gowns, both in fiery red. At a glance, the patterns seemed identical, but upon closer inspection, the designs on the two gowns combined to form a pair of phoenixes with their necks entwined, kissing each other.

The phoenix crown, adorned with various pearls and gemstones, shimmered and exuded a luxurious elegance.

Wen Shuxian reached out her hand, wanting to touch it, but then pulled back and exclaimed, "I won't say that Qin Yinong is stingy anymore."

She stared at the phoenix crown intently. There must be over a thousand pearls embedded in it, densely packed and countless. Not to mention the gemstones on top—golden dragons and emerald phoenixes, exquisitely intricate.

Cui Jiaran was too busy taking photos to speak. She sent them to the group chat and tagged Fu Yujun, who was still at work: [Fu, look at this bridal chamber!]

Fu Yujun, rarely using profanity, replied: [Damn]

They were stunned and speechless.

Wen Shuxian mentally prepared herself, quietly swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and carefully lifted the heavy phoenix crown. The pearls and jade tinkled softly as she moved it, creating a pleasant sound.

Wen Shuxian said, "Tang Tang, let me put it on you and see how it looks."

Tang Ruoyao avoided the bridal gown and sat at the edge of the bed. Just as she was about to nod, she suddenly remembered something and refused, "No."

Wen Shuxian asked, "Why not?"

Cui Jiaran, whose brain suddenly started functioning, teased from the side, "The bride won't let the bride see it at first glance. Should I let you see it?"

Wen Shuxian unwillingly said, "She will see it when she's properly dressed tomorrow, and we'll be the first to see it."

Cui Jiaran nonchalantly said, "It's different."

Tang Ruoyao's thoughts were exposed by Cui Jiaran, and her ears turned slightly red, but everything in the room was in bright red, conveniently masking it.

However, Wen Shuxian asked her, "Is that the reason?"

Tang Ruoyao bit her lip and shyly nodded.

Wen Shuxian: "..."

Well, well, well, Tang Ruoyao actually blushed!

Feeling uncomfortable, Tang Ruoyao changed the subject, "Do you want to try it? Why don't you put it on and take a look?"

Wen Shuxian still had some keen perception and quickly said, "No, no, I've been married in movies many times. The novelty has worn off." She put the phoenix crown back in its original position and went to look at the red canopy.

The red canopy was embroidered with intertwined lotus flowers. Just by looking at the fabric's luster, the embroidery of the lotus flowers, and the gold thread outlining the adjacent lotus leaves, it was clearly of a much higher quality than the props Wen Shuxian used in movies.

Wen Shuxian's throat moved slightly, feeling a bit envious.

Like the phoenix crown, there was only one red canopy, unlike the bridal gowns, which had two sets.

It was easy to understand. Although there were two brides, they both wore the red canopy. Did they expect both of them to close their eyes and get married blindly? Judging from the situation, Tang Ruoyao was the bride-to-be.

Wen Shuxian belatedly felt a tinge of sadness for her good friend who was getting married and starting a family.

Wen Shuxian sighed inwardly, raised her head, and ruffled Tang Ruoyao's hair.

Tang Ruoyao blinked in confusion.

Wen Shuxian bent down, held her face with both hands, and exerted pressure, pinching it.

'I told you not to abandon us and get married! We promised to be together for a lifetime. Whoever gets married first is a dog!'

.......

After Qin Yinong and Han Yuping discussed the arrangements for tomorrow, they sent the elderly couple back to their room. Qin Yinong then stepped out and walked towards the only room with a light on. She knocked on the door.

The commotion inside the room immediately ceased, and Tang Ruoyao tidied her long hair, which her roommates had messed up. She stood up and opened the door.

There were others present, but when Tang Ruoyao saw Qin Yinong standing outside, her expression only showed a slight joy, and she restrained herself, saying, "Miss Qin."

Qin Yinong smiled at her, "Miss Tang."

Tang Ruoyao mouthed, "Kiss."

Qin Yinong's eyes curved as she mouthed back, "Hug."

Tang Ruoyao could barely contain her laughter and hurriedly covered her mouth, coughing.

The two troublemakers inside came out and stood a few steps away, watching the scene with great interest.

Qin Yinong's expression instantly turned serious, and she said solemnly, "I have to go home now."

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips, a hint of disappointment flashing across her face.

She said, "Okay, see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow," Qin Yinong said softly. Then she reached out, touched Tang Ruoyao's face, withdrew her hand, and let it hang by her side.

Tang Ruoyao nodded, staring at the ground beneath her feet.

Qin Yinong remained in place, and after a while, her lips moved slightly. In a gentle voice, she said, "Yaoyao, wait for me to come and marry you."

She quickly lowered her head, blocking the gaze of her roommates who were watching, and planted a quick kiss on Tang Ruoyao's lips before turning around and leaving.

Tang Ruoyao felt a string inside her being plucked, her fingertips tingling, and her whole body electrified. Her ears were buzzing, unable to think about anything except for the last words Qin Yinong left echoing in her mind.

The sunflower seeds in Wen Shuxian's hand slipped through her fingers, and she hated it so much that she banged her head against the door, saying in anguish, "How come I don't have a girlfriend? Why don't I have a girlfriend..."

Cui Jiaran, seeing the scene, went to bang her head against the wall next to her, saying, "What kind of crappy boyfriend am I dating? What kind of crappy boyfriend am I dating..."

By the time Tang Ruoyao regained her senses, her face was almost frozen from smiling. She rubbed her sore facial muscles and looked at her roommates who were banging their heads against the wall, confused.

......

Qin Yinong walked briskly to the front yard before finally raising her hand and using her cool palm to cool down her burning cheeks.

That was... so cheesy!

She recalled Tang Ruoyao's reaction just now and instantly felt that being cheesy was worth it.

Qin Yinong got into the car to go home.

Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night.

Qin Yinong was extremely excited, unable to sleep. She wanted to chat with Tang Ruoyao for a while, so she sent a message. Tang Ruoyao was busy playing with her roommates and couldn't find the time, but after a while, she replied, asking her to sleep early.

Qin Yinong locked her room door and played music by herself, swaying to the rhythm.

After getting tired of dancing, she lay on the bed and finally felt drowsy.

She had been asleep for about an hour when she suddenly opened her eyes and sat up. Looking at the time, it was 4:20. She quickly got dressed and freshened up, sitting on the sofa downstairs, her hands anxiously twisted together. She couldn't wait any longer by 5 o'clock.

"Mom."

"Auntie Fang."

"Xiao Fei."

"Ningning, wake up."

She knocked on each door, waking everyone up.

The Qin family members: "..."

The elderly were fine, but the children were in the midst of sleep deprivation.

Qin Yinong helped the groggy Qin Jianing put on her red outfit, and then had Tang Fei carry her to the car to continue sleeping.

Since many steps were omitted and the wedding was in the evening, Tang Ruoyao didn't have to wake up early. She had been disturbed by her roommates until late last night, and she was now sound asleep. Suddenly, a loud voice rang in her ear, "Mommy!"

Tang Ruoyao, half asleep, thought she was dreaming and chuckled.

"Mommy!" Ningning, dressed in a little red outfit, came running over, knocking on the door.

Tang Ruoyao sensed something was off and opened her eyes.

She put on her coat, rubbed her sleepy eyes, and got up to open the door, but she didn't see Ningning's figure in front of her. She glanced to the side, and Wen Shuxian's door next door was open. Wen Shuxian was bending down towards the adorable child, displaying a gentle older sister demeanor, and asked, "Who are you calling for?"

Ningning, in her childish voice, answered, "I'm calling for my mommy."

Wen Shuxian had only seen Ningning's photos trending last year and Tang Ruoyao never mentioned her daughter in their group chat, so she thought this was a relative from the Han family and said, "Who is your mommy? Let me take you to find her."

Tang Ruoyao spoke up, "Ningning."

Ningning turned her head and exclaimed with joy, "Mommy!"

Tang Ruoyao squatted down, and Ningning happily hugged her.

Wen Shuxian's eyes nearly popped out of her head. "...Holy sh*t."

She quickly went back to her room and woke up the sleeping Cui Jiaran, saying urgently, "Hurry, hurry!"

Cui Jiaren was still half-asleep and swatted her hand away, saying, "Stop making noise..."

Wen Shuxian shouted into her ear, "Ahhhh!"

Cui Jiaran's head felt like it was exploding, and her veins throbbed.

"Wen... Shu... Xian!"

Before she could get beaten up, Wen Shuxian dragged the now awake Cui Jiaran out and showed her the scene of maternal love at the door.

"Why did you come so early?" Tang Ruoyao asked, holding Ningning's little hand.

"Because I missed Mommy." Ningning replied with a sweet smile.

"Your words are so sweet, Mommy will be sweetened to death by you."

Ningning giggled, "No, it's actually because Mom missed you and woke us up early."

"Is Mom here too?"

"Yes. She's talking to Grandpa and Grandma and will come over soon."

Wen Shuxian nudged the stunned Cui Jiaran's shoulder, and Cui Jiaran's face turned stern.

So, Tang Tang marrying into the Qin family meant they would become stepmothers?

If they had known earlier... but they didn't really have any choice in the matter.

.......

A temporary reception hall was set up in the front yard, and Qin Yinong was sitting there anxiously.

Liang Shu was chatting with Ji Shulan.

Han Yuping was pulling her around, asking what she wanted for breakfast. Qin Yinong said it didn't matter, but Han Yuping insisted that she couldn't just say that. Qin Yinong mentioned a few options and couldn't help but ask, "Uncle, can I go inside?"

Han Yuping chuckled, stroked his non-existent beard, and leisurely said, "You can't see the bride before the wedding ceremony, that's not how it works."

Qin Yinong found Han Yuping extremely annoying.

Liang Shu smiled gently and explained, "I know you're anxious, but we can't skip all the necessary formalities. Just be patient for a little while."

Qin Yinong blushed at her words and whispered, "I understand."

Han Yuping burst into laughter.

Liang Shu said, "You're laughing at others, but back then, were you any better than her? Wasn't it you who..."

Han Yuping couldn't laugh anymore and quickly made a pleading gesture.

Why expose his shortcomings when their child was getting married?

.......

Tang Ruoyao knew Qin Yinong had arrived, so she couldn't sleep anymore. She asked Ningning to wait for her and, after freshening up and changing clothes, she planned to go to the reception hall. Wenshuxian and Cui Jiaren, like two door gods, were blocking her doorway—one on the left and one on the right.

Tang Ruoyao: "???"

Wen Shuxian: "Before the ceremony, the two of you can't meet!"

Tang Ruoyao: "Who says?"

Wen Shuxian: "Bridesmaid rules!"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Cui Jiaran lightly tapped Wen Shuxian's arm and helplessly said, "Tang Tang, have you ever seen a couple on their wedding day meet each other as usual? You're getting married today, and you plan to meet her like this?" She glanced at Tang Ruoyao's casual attire and pursed her lips. "Are you going to see her like this?"

Tang Ruoyao looked troubled.

But it was only 6 o'clock now, and the wedding was still at least ten hours away.

Cui Jiaran pushed her into the room while coaxing her, "There are only a few hours left, no need to rush. Once you get dressed, time will fly by."

Ningning couldn't understand the rest, but she understood that Tang Ruoyao couldn't go out. She immediately felt disappointed and said, "Mommy, aren't you coming with me to see Mom?"

Tang Ruoyao rubbed her head and said, "I'll see her later. Can you go and tell Mom for me?"

Ningning pursed her lips and said, "Okay."

Ningning left, leaving only the three roommates in the room.

Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran exchanged a glance, then looked at Tang Ruoyao. It was evident that they had something to say but held back and avoided each other's gaze.

Tang Ruoyao recalled their expressions just now and could guess their questions, but she couldn't explain the origins of this child. She simply said, "I really love her, and I am very happy now."

Wen Shuxian walked over and extended her hand menacingly.

Tang Ruoyao thought she was going to pinch her face again and shrunk back, closing her eyes and saying, "Be gentle, I still need to do my makeup."

However, Wen Shuxian only lightly tapped her head.

Tang Ruoyao opened her eyes and saw Wen Shuxian's lips slightly curling up, which made her smile too.

Fortunate to have met you in this lifetime.

After about ten minutes, Ningning returned, running back with sweat pouring down her forehead and her rosy cheeks. She stood in front of Tang Ruoyao, panting lightly, trying to speak but unable to find the words.

Tang Ruoyao gently patted her back and said softly, "Take your time."

Ningning pointed to her own left cheek and said in a soft voice, "Mom kissed me on the cheek and asked me to give this kiss to you, and say good morning to you."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't contain her joy, she kissed the spot Ningning pointed at and said, "Go back and tell Mom that I received it and say good morning to her too."

"Okay!" Ningning nodded vigorously, almost making herself dizzy. She wobbled in place, and Tang Ruoyao quickly reached out to support her.

Once Ningning regained her balance, she forgot about her previous instructions and hurriedly ran to the front yard, calling out "Mom" from a distance.

Tang Ruoyao shook her head and laughed when she turned around and saw her two roommates banging their heads against the wall.

Wen Shuxian: "Why don't I have a girlfriend? Why don't I have a girlfriend..."

Cui Jiaran: "Why don't I have a beautiful daughter? Why don't I have a beautiful daughter..."

Tang Ruoyao's eyes curved with her laughter.

The front yard and the backyard were clearly separated, and they only had to wait for an auspicious time to proceed with the ceremony.

Author's Note:

The wedding is about to begin! Are all the readers here? Get ready to witness the ceremony!

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