CHAPTER 204

As soon as the mention of throwing the embroidered ball came up, accompanied by mischievous music, people started to move, from inside the house to the courtyard.

Apart from the bridesmaids, there were many young men and women among the guests. The embroidered ball symbolized the blessings for the newlywed couple. Even if they didn't want to get married, receiving this blessing was considered a good thing, so everyone was enthusiastic.

Among them, Lin Ruohan was the most proactive. She took up the best position in advance and kept making eye contact with Qin Yinong. Unfortunately, she made eye contact with the wrong person. Tang Ruoyao was the one throwing the embroidered ball, and Qin Yinong shrugged at Lin Ruohan, indicating that she couldn't help. However, there was a hint of satisfaction in her heart, it served Lin Ruohan right, as she had teased her a lot today.

Lin Ruohan hadn't told Qin Yinong about her progress in their relationship, but judging by her eagerness to catch the embroidered ball, they should be reconciling. Qin Yinong had a change of heart and thought it wouldn't be bad to catch the ball from her. Maybe she would soon be able to attend Lin Ruohan's wedding.

She looked at Tang Ruoyao beside her. Tang Ruoyao held the embroidered ball tightly in both hands, slightly nervous, and pursed her lips as she looked at the bustling crowd below.

Ningning tugged at Qin Yinong's hand and spoke in a sweet voice, "Mom, can I go?"

Qin Yinong wanted to say "no, you're still young," but as the words reached her lips, she felt that it was just for the sake of festivity. There were even people with graying hair standing on the stage who wanted to share in the joy of the younger generation. So she gently said, "Okay, but be careful and don't get caught in the crowd."

"Okay!" Ningning agreed and ran down the steps, heading towards Ji Yunyao, who was standing in the almost corner of the crowd.

Ji Yunyao wasn't interested in the embroidered ball and didn't participate in this seemingly childish activity. However, Ningning rushed over, holding her hand, and headed towards the center of the crowd.

Ji Yunyao: "..."

What else could she do? She could only stay in the midst of it.

Fu Yujun was bumped by Wen Shuxian and her gaze once again fell on Guan Han, who was standing a bit far away and clearly outside the range of where the embroidered ball would fall. She still had a stern face, but her eyes kept looking at the newlyweds on the stage as if she was in a trance.

Guan Han was lost in her thoughts when the young woman in front of her brought her back: "It's time to throw the embroidered ball, won't you join in?" Her voice was gentle and melodious, like the moist spring breeze blowing in from the water town of the Jiangnan region.

Guan Han studied Fu Yujun for two seconds and politely declined, "No, thank you."

How could an ordinary person like her possibly catch the embroidered ball thrown by someone divine?

Fu Yujun looked at her and said, "Let's go."

Guan Han was momentarily shaken by those clear eyes, but she still refused, "No, thank you."

Suddenly, Fu Yujun reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her towards the direction of the crowd without a word.

Guan Han was dumbfounded.

Ever since she became Qin Yinong's assistant and personal bodyguard, no one had dared to pull her without her permission. The defensive nerves in her body were instantly triggered but dissipated half a second later.

Forget it, it's better to keep peace in front of everyone.

After Fu Yujun pulled her to the center, she let go of her hand and focused her attention on the stage as if nothing had happened.

Guan Han rubbed her left wrist with her right hand.

The weather was sunny today, and Guan Han had good physical fitness. She had taken off her coat, wearing only a long-sleeved white shirt inside. The fabric was thin, and the skin that had come into contact with her fingertips felt slightly warm.

Everyone was in position.

Lin Ruohan said, "Are you ready? Throw it!"

Tang Ruoyao turned around, facing away from the crowd, and threw it with force.

The embroidered ball flew into the air, forming a parabolic trajectory. After reaching the highest point, it began to descend. Everyone looked up, staring at the rapidly falling embroidered ball. Lin Ruohan jumped up, but she missed it. It barely brushed past her fingertips, less than three centimeters away.

Several pairs of hands reached high, but the slippery fabric made it difficult to catch. The consequence of so many hands trying to catch it at the same time was that the embroidered ball splashed like water, bouncing several times between the hands, and then rolled down.

Until it reached a gap and fell through.

Ji Yunyao, who didn't even try to catch it, watched the embroidered ball falling from the sky and reflexively caught it to prevent it from hitting the ground. After seeing the true identity of the object, she reflexively passed it to Qin Jianing.

Qin Jianing was the real troublemaker. She suddenly got the lucky catch and exclaimed, "Wow!"

She let go of Ji Yunyao's hand, raised the embroidered ball high with both hands, and excitedly shouted, "Mom, Mom, it's me! It's me!"

She was just a child, a pretty and lovable child, and the people on the stage clapped for her happily.

Qin Yinong also praised her, saying, "Great job!"

Lin Ruohan teased, "Cheating! You actually threw it to your own daughter!"

Qin Yinong: "..."

Wen Shuxian and Lin Ruohan were of the same ilk. They were applauding earlier, but now they immediately changed sides. Wen Shuxian said, "Unfair! Toss it again!"

Ji Yunyao, not far from them, responded coldly, "Is there a rule that says children are not allowed to catch it?"

Wen Shuxian quickly retreated and hid behind Fu Yujun.

Lin Ruohan wasn't afraid of her and continued, "Toss it again!"

They had to throw it again, and this time it was Qin Yinong who threw it. Lin Ruohan put in all her effort and finally managed to catch the embroidered ball. She hugged it tightly and took several photos, both alone and with the newlyweds.

Ningning was a bit unhappy, but she knew that her sister had given her the first embroidered ball, so she shouldn't have taken it. However, children couldn't control their emotions.

As the banquet was about to begin, Ningning sat in her seat, pursing her lips slightly. Suddenly, Lin Ruohan flashed something in front of Ningning's eyes and stuffed it into her arms—it was the embroidered ball.

Ningning really wanted it, but she still picked it up and handed it back, saying, "Auntie Lin, this is yours, I can't take it."

Auntie Lin had her own theory: "I'm giving you my things now." As an adult, she wouldn't argue with a child. Besides, she had her own purpose in catching the embroidered ball, and now that she had achieved it, the ball itself wasn't important.

Qin Jianing was a bit confused from Auntie Lin's logic. Just then, Ji Yunyao took a piece of green bean cake in her hand and said, "Take it."

Ningning changed her mind and said, "Thank you, Auntie Lin."

"Hey." Lin Ruohan touched the child's face and happily remarked, "You really listen to your sister."

Qin Jianing shyly smiled and turned to look at Ji Yunyao, who fed her the green bean cake.

What Lin Ruohan didn't know was that although Qin Jianing had become much more cheerful, in her heart, during her short childhood, there were still those who had accompanied her in her lonely moments, like Ji Yunyao, and perhaps even Tang Fei. They were irreplaceable.

Knowing that the other person was performing at the concert, Lin Ruohan couldn't help but open her phone again and glance at the friend circle set to "visible to only one person," then locked the screen and sat at the table with Qin Yinong's relatives.

The live music played, and the banquet officially began.

Servants wearing red waistbands brought out dishes one after another, each one exquisite in appearance, aroma, and taste. People who were prominent outside were just ordinary guests at the table. Han Yuping was also present, and a few old friends were discussing how to poach his family's chef right in front of him.

Han Yuping, in high spirits, took a sip of white wine, shaking his head and laughing. Occasionally, he hummed a tune. His old friends teased him, "Are you tipsy?"

Han Yuping replied, "I am. So what?"

Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao walked out with Qin Jianing, and a servant holding a tray led the way, with two wine glasses and a pot of daughter red wine on the tray.

The host sang, "The newlyweds will now have a toast—"

There were three tables for the guests, and the remaining people filled another three tables. Qin Tang and Qin Ning went from table to table, toasting each one individually.

Afterward, Qin Yinong had Tang Ruoyao sit at the table with Wen Shuxian, who had reserved a seat for her in advance. Qin Yinong herself had to go and chat with the guests. When they arrived in the afternoon, Qin Yinong was already in the middle of getting ready. She didn't come out until it was almost time for the wedding, which seemed a bit inhospitable.

Tang Ruoyao grabbed her sleeve and earnestly advised, "Drink a little less."

Qin Yinong responded with an exceptionally beautiful smile.

"I know."

Tang Ruoyao watched her leave, reluctantly withdrawing her gaze. However, she noticed teasing glances from the people at the table. Following Wen Shuxian's example, she held Cui Jiaran's hand and softly said, "Drink a little less."

Cui Jiaran played along, gripping her hand back, and the two exchanged affectionate gazes.

Cui Jiaran affectionately said, "I know."

Wen Shuxian turned back three times, saying, "I'm, going now."

Cui Jiaran's eyes shimmered with tears. "Go ahead."

Fu Yujun looked helpless.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Wen Shuxian let go of Cui Jiaran's hand, feeling disappointed. "Big sister, you've really disappointed me!"

Cui Jiaran echoed, "Disappointed!"

Wen Shuxian exclaimed, "How can you be such a little housewife?!"

Cui Jiaran replied, "Little housewife!"

Wen Shuxian continued, "And I've been calling Qin Yinong 'sister-in-law' all this time!"

Cui Jiaran said mechanically, "Sister-in-law!"

Qin Yinong perked up her ears, smiled at the elders in front of her, and said politely, "Excuse me." She walked back and asked the 405 group, "What's wrong? Do you need something from me?"

Cui Jiaran hurriedly said, "No, it's nothing."

Qin Yinong looked at Tang Ruoyao, who indicated that everything was fine, and only then did she leave.

Wen Shuxian mercilessly laughed, "Hahaha."

Cui Jiaran reached out to pinch her, and the alliance between the two immediately dissolved.

Fu Yujun had known for a long time about the situation between Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao. Qin Yinong was not really Tang's sister-in-law; she had always been his junior-in-law—Fu Yujun was a few months older than Tang Ruoyao. She prided herself on having a good eye for people, and after attending this wedding, she could finally feel at ease.

She changed seats with Wen Shuxian and sat next to Tang Ruoyao.

"When are you two planning to go public?"

"Maybe next year?" Tang Ruoyao said uncertainly, "Her idea is to wait until the public's perception of her stabilizes or until my career progresses further before we go public."

Fu Yujun, being clever, immediately associated it with the tumultuous events that happened online a few months ago regarding Qin Yinong. She whispered, "Did she reveal those things herself?"

"Yes."

"For your sake?" Fu Yujun furrowed her brows.

Tang Ruoyao nodded and pursed her lips, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Fu Yujun found it incredible.

Of course, her agent had talked to her about it, and they even analyzed that Qin Yinong might make a big move. But she couldn't fathom why Qin Yinong, who had already achieved such a high status, would go through so much trouble to clear herself of those unnecessary accusations.

Qin Yinong's actions had left even the entertainment industry puzzled, let alone the general public.

The reason turned out to be this...unexpected.

After a moment, Fu Yujun relaxed her brows and said with relief, "She really cares about you."

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Yes." There wouldn't be another person who loved her as much as Qin Yinong.

Tang Ruoyao glanced at Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran, who were still holding hands, and whispered, "Lao Fu, I want to discuss something with you."

Fu Yujun asked, "What is it?"

.......

The wedding banquet lasted for a long time, and by the end, many people were drunk.

Han Yuping was one of the most intoxicated ones and was sent back to his room early to rest. The task of seeing off the guests fell solely on Qin Yinong's shoulders.

Tang Ruoyao wanted to accompany her, but Qin Yinong insisted she go back to the wedding room first, citing her own matters. Tang Ruoyao was indeed tied up as she had invited her teachers, classmates, and friends, who were now visiting the new room and catching up with her.

Even the teacher who had been hospitalized last time and had hoped for Tang Ruoyao to reconsider her relationship with Qin Yinong was present. Since they were all attending the wedding, the teacher couldn't dampen the mood anymore and simply patted Tang Ruoyao's hand, hoping that everything would go well for her and that she would find peace and happiness in the future.

The younger friends surrounded Tang Ruoyao and gossiped about her relationship with Qin Yinong.

Tang Ruoyao mentioned that it was a case of falling in love on set, which was generally true, and her friends cheered, saying, "Oh, oh, oh!" They teased her with every sentence, making Tang Ruoyao feel quite awkward.

Qin Yinong managed to come back once and took a sip of water from Tang Ruoyao's cup, then returned to the front yard.

When Qin Yinong was present, her friends didn't say much, but as soon as she left, they exploded with chatter.

"She ran so far just to get a sip of water. I'll just take your word for it."

"Wow! Is Qin the top actress afraid we'll bully you?"

"Did you see the look in Qin Yinong's eyes just now? What is meant by a thousand words, all conveyed without speaking!"

"Ah, I'm dead."

"Aw Wei is causing a ruckus at the burial ground."

"Who wouldn't want a partner like Qin Yinong?"

"Not just a partner, but a wife!"

"Hahaha!"

Compared to the thick-skinned demeanor Qin Yinong had developed in front of everyone, Tang Ruoyao was far from it. She could only blush silently and accept her friends' teasing. She didn't say anything, but she was very happy.

It was almost midnight, and the lively courtyard finally quieted down.

In the bridal chamber, only Tang Ruoyao's roommate, Cui Jiaran, stayed overnight at Han's residence. Wen Shuxian and Fu Yujun had an early morning flight to catch and had to rush back to the film set.

A large red lantern hung outside the house, while inside, the dragon and phoenix candles burned quietly. The flame flickered for a moment.

Qin Yinong pushed open the door and entered.

She nodded to her three roommates, with a barely noticeable tension in her expression.

The others responded with friendly smiles and stood up.

Fu Yujun walked up to her and glanced back at Tang Ruoyao sitting on the edge of the bed. She said seriously, "We're entrusting her to you. Take good care of her."

Qin Yinong replied solemnly, "I will."

Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran had always followed Fu Yujun's lead. After she spoke, the two of them remained silent and left the room. Fu Yujun closed the door behind her, leaving the newlywed couple alone.

Qin Yinong stood still, staring straight at Tang Ruoyao in her bright red wedding gown.

Having not seen her for this brief moment in the evening, she felt that Tang Ruoyao had become even more beautiful. Her skin was glowing, and she was so captivating that Qin Yinong couldn't take her eyes off her. She forgot about everything else, even how to walk, or perhaps...she doubted if all of this was real.

Tang Ruoyao shifted to the side, making space. Seeing that Qin Yinong was still not moving, she couldn't help but softly urge, "What are you daydreaming about? Come here."

Qin Yinong walked over, sat down, and held her hand, smiling.

Tang Ruoyao smiled back.

Everything became soft and gentle.

Qin Yinong covered the back of her hand with her own, slipped her fingers in between, and held on. She smiled and said, "Lin Ruohan tried to disturb our bridal chamber, but I chased her away."

"Where is she now?"

"She must have gone to meet her love, I guess?" Qin Yinong propped her chin up with one hand.

"Huh?"

"Ren Xingyue came to see her."

"Where is she?" Tang Ruoyao's emotions immediately fluctuated, and her voice became louder.

Qin Yinong looked at her, squinting her eyes with a hint of danger in her gaze.

Today was their wedding day, so why was Tang Ruoyao so excited about Ren Xingyue?

Tang Ruoyao hurriedly explained with an overwhelming desire to survive, "I was just curious, curious like a bystander."

Qin Yinong wasn't really angry with her, especially... she shrugged, "She already left."

Tang Ruoyao tried her best not to show her disappointment and asked, "Did Teacher Lin leave with her?"

"Yes," Qin Yinong asked, "Do you know why Lin Ruohan wanted to snatch that embroidered ball?"

"Why?"

"She said that grabbing the embroidered ball symbolizes reconciliation. If she didn't grab it, it would be fine."

Just like tossing a coin, at that moment when the coin is thrown up in the air, a decision is often made in one's heart. Tang Ruoyao said, "So she didn't grab it the first time and made you throw it again the second time."

Qin Yinong said, "Fortunately, she caught it the second time, otherwise we would have had to keep throwing the embroidered ball for her all night."

Tang Ruoyao was easily amused and burst into laughter, "Hahaha."

Qin Yinong leaned closer to her, her long eyelashes almost touching Tang Ruoyao's face. Tang Ruoyao stopped laughing, looked into the woman's deep eyes, and received a lingering kiss.

Gradually unable to restrain themselves.

Tang Ruoyao supported herself with both hands on the bed surface, and Qin Yinong's hand clasped her backhand, slowly leaning down. Tang Ruoyao suddenly turned her head, and Qin Yinong, who was getting excited, missed and opened her eyes.

Tang Ruoyao sniffed her and asked, "How much did you drink?"

Qin Yinong replied, "...Not much."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "What do you mean not much?"

Qin Yinong honestly said, "I don't remember." She also lowered her head and sniffed herself, saying, "Does it smell bad?"

Tang Ruoyao made a gesture with her thumb and index finger, "Just a little bit."

It wasn't really a bad smell, but even the best and most fragrant wine still had its alcoholic scent. Qin Yinong had been going around the drinking table all night and didn't know how much she had consumed. Rather than the taste, Tang Ruoyao was more concerned about her stomach. "Do you feel unwell?"

"No."

"Next time, don't drink so much."

"I know, unless you marry me again." Qin Yinong's eyes were bright, and her two black pupils were like immersed in a pool of spring water, exuding a childlike innocence.

Tang Ruoyao had never seen her with such eyes before.

Tang Ruoyao looked at her, and a bold thought came to her mind. She suddenly asked, "Baby, have you ever been drunk?"

Qin Yinong's voice was crisp as she said, "Baby hasn't."

Tang Ruoyao laughed inwardly: Hahahaha.

Was she really drunk? She must be drunk.

Qin Yinong, who never got drunk even after a thousand cups, actually got drunk!

Tang Ruoyao inexplicably became excited.

Tang Ruoyao's expression changed, secretly delighted, and remained silent for a while.

Qin Yinong tilted her head and asked, "What's wrong?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "It's nothing." She recalled Qin Yinong's steady footsteps when she came in, without a trace of swaying or instability. Her heart started pounding, and she tentatively said, "Baby?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Baby is here."

Tang Ruoyao felt dizzy and mesmerized for a moment. Ignoring the smell of alcohol on her, she grabbed Qin Yinong and showered her with kisses. Qin Yinong behaved very obediently throughout, responding honestly.

Tang Ruoyao almost wanted to sink into it immediately, but Qin Yinong stopped her and said, "I want to take a bath."

Her voice was obedient, small, like little cat paws scratching.

As if Tang Ruoyao would listen, she kissed her temple gently, holding her tightly, and intermittently said, "In a while... Go later... very soon... Be obedient..."

Qin Yinong stubbornly said, "I don't want to, I want to go now."

She rarely acted unreasonably. A person who was always mature and rational, exhibiting such childish behavior, wouldn't make others feel annoyed, but rather more tender-hearted.

Anyway, Tang Ruoyao immediately stopped and sat up with Qin Yinong, pulling and adjusting her disheveled collar gently, and said tenderly, "Do you know where the bathroom is?"

Qin Yinong decisively shook her head, "I don't know."

She said she didn't know without even looking. Tang Ruoyao had a moment of doubt, but before she could grasp onto anything, Qin Yinong said, "Can't see clearly."

Tang Ruoyao immediately put aside the previous question and hurriedly asked, "What can't you see clearly?"

Qin Yinong said, "Can't see clearly with my eyes."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Are you feeling dizzy?"

Qin Yinong quietly sensed it for a moment and said, "Seems like it." She imitated Tang Ruoyao's gesture of making a thumb and index finger circle and said, "Just a little bit."

Tang Ruoyao laughed again.

Apart from toasting a few glasses, she didn't drink much. It has been several hours now, and any residual effects of the alcohol have completely dissipated. Tang Ruoyao found some pajamas for Qin Yinong and said, "Come, let me take you to the bathroom."

Qin Yinong sat at the edge of the bed, about three steps away from Tang Ruoyao, not even four steps. Even if she took the first step and felt dizzy, Tang Ruoyao could catch her. But Qin Yinong just sat there, opened her arms, pouted her lips, and complained, "Why won't you hug me?"

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

Tang Ruoyao: "???"

She looked at Qin Yinong again, and her eyes were red, on the verge of tears. Her clothes were almost thrown away. Tang Ruoyao rushed over and hugged her, saying, "I'm hugging you, I'm hugging you, don't cry."

Qin Yinong's tears were about to fall, and she pitifully said, "You haven't kissed me yet."

Tang Ruoyao then kissed her.

Finally, she managed to appease her.

She tightly held the unsteady Qin Yinong, who was feeling dizzy, and took her to the bathroom, turning on the showerhead in the glass enclosure and adjusting the water temperature.

Qin Yinong sat on a small stool by the bathtub, her eyes staring blankly, seeming to be more affected by the alcohol as time passed. Her gaze was unfocused, but her sitting posture was upright, with a straight back and both hands resting flat on her knees, like a diligent elementary school student listening attentively.

Tang Ruoyao asked her, "Can you wash yourself?"

Qin Yinong seemed to hear, yet also seemed not to hear. She tilted her head slightly, still staring blankly at the wall in front of her.

Tang Ruoyao understood that she couldn't do it herself.

The two of them often bathed together, but only when Qin Yinong was sober and had complete control. It was always Qin Yinong who took the lead, entering vertically and leaving horizontally. Tang Ruoyao never had the initiative in this regard, and the thought of helping Qin Yinong bathe... Tang Ruoyao bit her lip.

She raised her hand and waved it in front of Qin Yinong's face. Qin Yinong slowly lifted her eyelashes, even slower in lowering them, as if her nerve responses had slowed down, slower than a sloth.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Tang Ruoyao helped the drunk woman bathe, and during the process, because the other party was unusually obedient, she had some whimsical thoughts, but quickly suppressed them.

She sent Qin Yinong, who was dressed in pajamas, back, blow-dried her hair, and tucked her into bed. Then she went back and took a shower herself.

She tiptoed out of the bathroom, expecting to see Qin Yinong sound asleep, but instead, Qin Yinong was sitting upright by the bedside, with a bright red silk quilt, ink-black long hair, snow-white face, and crimson lips, creating a visually striking image.

Tang Ruoyao was stunned. "Are you sober now?"

Qin Yinong once again revealed that childlike innocent look and said, "Baby is not drunk."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but chuckle.

This was called not being drunk?

Qin Yinong moved inward, tapping the empty space beside her with force. It made a loud sound.

"Come."

Tang Ruoyao obediently took off her shoes and got on the bed.

Qin Yinong said, "Hug."

Tang Ruoyao embraced her.

Qin Yinong said, "Kiss."

Tang Ruoyao kissed her passionately, their lips intertwined.

When they parted, Qin Yinong's cheeks were tinged with a faint blush, her eyes watery and misty, as if still immersed in the sensations Tang Ruoyao had given her.

And Tang Ruoyao was also a bit captivated by this novel and unfamiliar side of Qin Yinong.

"Baby," Tang Ruoyao let her lean against her chest, gently combing through her long, smooth black hair with her fingers.

"Baby is here."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Are you the one who listens to me the most?"

Qin Yinong said, "Yes."

Tang Ruoyao was pleased and said, "Then say you like me." She was afraid Qin Yinong wouldn't understand and clarified, "I like you."

Without hesitation, Qin Yinong responded, "I like you."

In that instant, Tang Ruoyao felt ecstatic. She opened her mouth several times before finally uttering the prepared words, her voice slightly hoarse, "Say... I love you."

Without a second's pause, Qin Yinong replied, "I love you."

Surprisingly, these words flowed effortlessly from her mouth, as if she had rehearsed them countless times in her heart.

Qin Yinong lifted her head, looking into Tang Ruoyao's eyes, and earnestly repeated, "I love you."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't contain her joy and almost shed tears. Then she widened her eyes and said, "You're not—"

The word "drunk" was drowned in their lips and teeth as Qin Yinong deeply kissed her.

Author's Note:

I've given Tang Ruoyao countless opportunities, but unfortunately, she missed them all. Truly, she's the epitome of a lying weakling!

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