CHAPTER 220

From the moment Qin Yinong entered the room, her target was clear, and she walked straight towards Tang Ruoyao.

A faint smile graced her eyebrows and eyes as she took light and brisk steps, approaching steadily. It was reminiscent of the ancient poem: "With the spring breeze, the horse's hooves are swift, and she sees all the flowers in Chang'an in a single day."

Some people passing by wanted to greet her, but before they could open their mouths, Qin Yinong had already hurriedly passed by them.

Curious gazes followed Qin Yinong's figure.

When Qin Yinong stood in front of Tang Ruoyao, everyone in the room was watching them.

Tang Ruoyao suddenly blushed a little, "..."

Didn't they attract too much attention?

But Qin Yinong appeared confident and unaffected by others' gazes, which made Tang Ruoyao feel a surge of pride and strength.

They had been waiting for this day for too long.

For the first time, Qin Yinong could approach her in a crowd without any worries. From today onwards, they would be a publicly recognized couple, and their names would be firmly linked together. There would no longer be any meddling from unwanted individuals between them.

She took the initiative to hold Qin Yinong's hand, and the two of them looked into each other's eyes without a care for others, both smiling.

The cast and crew of the drama "Xiao Hong" and everyone present in the entertainment industry: "..."

Weren't they supposed to be best friends? Why does it feel like we're seeing a deeply affectionate pair of Mandarin ducks?

With so many people present, the two of them weren't being overly excessive. Tang Ruoyao held Qin Yinong's hand without letting go and introduced her, "This is our crew member, Director Fan Hong."

Qin Yinong's lips curved into a smile, "Long time no see, Director Fan."

Fan Hong smiled, "Long time no see indeed. We should have an opportunity to collaborate."

Qin Yinong replied gracefully, "It would be my honor."

Tang Ruoyao went on with the introductions, "This is XXX, who plays Xiao Jun..."

Qin Yinong politely and elegantly said, "Hello, I'm Qin Yinong."

Male actor playing Xiao Jun: "Hello." He feigned surprise and smiled, saying, "Everyone knows you, so there's no need for introductions."

Tang Ruoyao introduced, "Actor XXX, who plays Du Wuxiang."

Qin Yinong smiled slightly and looked over, "Hello."

The actor playing Du Wuxiang was a younger guy who was so nervous that even Qin Yinong didn't dare to approach him. His face turned red, and he stammered, "Hello, Teacher Qin."

Qin Yinong found him amusing and raised an eyebrow lightly.

She was extraordinarily beautiful, every frown and smile captivating enough. The young guy was momentarily stunned.

Tang Ruoyao immediately pinched Qin Yinong's finger, signaling her jealousy.

Qin Yinong coughed, "Ahem."

The young guy tried to hide behind the actor playing Xiao Jun.

Qin Yinong thought to herself: The actors in this crew seem to have good chemistry.

Without waiting for Tang Ruoyao's introduction, the actress playing Ding Ling introduced herself, "I'm XXX, and I'm your fan."

With Qin Yinong's arrival, except for Fan Hong, everyone seemed reserved.

Qin Yinong took the initiative to speak, enlivening the atmosphere, "I often heard Yaoyao mention all of you."

A few members of the crew exchanged subtle glances.

Yaoyao?

Such an intimate address, is it really something used between best friends? And the way Tang Ruoyao introduced her earlier seemed like she was introducing a romantic partner. There were rumors outside that they had that kind of relationship.

They suppressed their doubts.

Qin Yinong shared a few interesting incidents that had happened on set, and gradually, everyone began to participate in the conversation, no longer feeling awkward.

But as the conversation deepened, their suspicions grew: Do regular best friends call each other frequently during filming? And do they share everything with each other? Moreover, it's May now, the weather isn't hot, nor is it cold. Is it necessary to hold hands all the time?

Fan Hong looked at the hands of the two that remained clasped together, her expression thoughtful.

In the evening, the red carpet segment began on time.

Tang Ruoyao took the first step.

Today, she wore a white feathered gown, her long hair simply styled up, revealing the graceful lines of her neck and shoulders. She was light, delicate, and elegantly ethereal. Paired with her exquisite and otherworldly temperament, she looked like a fairy in flight.

As soon as she appeared, she attracted the astonished gazes of many.

The flashlights on the red carpet welcomed a burst of intense flashes.

Shortly after Tang Ruoyao, it was Qin Yinong's turn.

Qin Yinong wore a black backless evening gown that hugged her figure, perfectly showcasing her curves. Some people rely on their outfits, while others make outfits look good. Black is a color loved by many female stars, but only Qin Yinong's own charisma surpassed the attire a hundredfold. With every gesture, she exuded confidence and elegance. The passage of time had bestowed her with new charm, captivating everyone.

She carried an Eastern-style mystique and nobility, embodying all the beauty in the world.

Qin Yinong's figure gradually disappeared at the end of the red carpet.

Like a vivid era of cinema passing by.

The viewers in the live stream regained their senses and commented:

— "I'm inexplicably welling up with tears."

— "Emperor Qin, don't stop acting! Give us another 500 years of your performances!"

— "The younger generation can't handle it! Make more movies, please!"

— "Ahhh, is it just me? I feel like Qin Yinong is becoming more and more beautiful, not just in appearance but in her aura."

— It's not just you above! I feel the same way. Whenever I see her, my heart calms down. She embodies gentleness. How can someone be so wonderful? Sob."

— "So, are she and Tang Ruoyao wearing matching couple outfits?"

— "Black and white make a perfect match! Qin and Tang forever!"

— "Best friends' debut (×), Wives in love (✓)."

At the entrance to the award hall, unseen by the live audience, Tang Ruoyao's figure appeared before Qin Yinong. Qin Yinong walked over and naturally took her hand, smiling as she asked, "Why didn't you go in first?"

Tang Ruoyao swung their clasped hands, her lips slightly curved as she softly replied, "I was waiting for you."

There were other staff members at the entrance who almost popped their eyeballs out when they heard Tang Ruoyao's almost coquettish remark.

The two entered hand in hand, and only then did Qin Yinong lower her voice and lean close to Tang Ruoyao's ear, chuckling, "Baby, you scared them."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Did I scare you?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Not at all."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Why do we care about what others think?"

Qin Yinong said, "But I don't want others to see you like this."

The smile on Tang Ruoyao's lips disappeared, and she turned coldly, saying, "Is this better?"

Qin Yinong found it amusing and commented, "Not bad, but could use some work."

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head, gesturing for her to link arms with a woman. "Should I let go of this?"

Qin Yinong replied, "No need."

Tang Ruoyao adjusted her expression, no longer smiling, chin slightly raised, exuding a proud aura.

Qin Yinong had a gentle smile on her face, with a slight curve to her lips, completely opposite to Tang Ruoyao.

One cold, one warm, unexpectedly a perfect match.

Qin Yinong took the pen handed to her and left her name on the autograph wall. She then handed the pen to Tang Ruoyao, who wrote her name next to Qin Yinong's and drew a heart around it.

Barrage comments:

— "Ahhhhhhh!"

— Didn't expect it, Tang as a "Bottom" is so wild.

— "My Tang is a "Top"! Younger partner supremacy

— "Today, my Tang, is going to kick down the closet door!"

— "Didn't you all notice the expression on Qin Yinong's face when she saw the heart? A knowing smile, a shy lowering of the head, as if coy yet not coy. Awsl."

— "Who doesn't like a soft, fragrant, mature, and considerate older sister? Sister as the "Top"!- Sister as the "Top"!"

Tang Ruoyao returned the pen, and a faint blush appeared on her fair earlobes.

This was her first time being so bold, but judging by Qin Yinong's expression, she seemed very pleased, as if she wanted to draw another heart on top of it.

This year's Golden Laurel Awards were lively.

Tang Ruoyao's rival, Huo Yuke, and Qin Yinong's rival, Hao Meihua, were both present. Huo Yuke had learned her lesson and behaved much better. When she saw Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao walking over side by side, she politely greeted them, "Teacher Qin, the famous actress, and Teacher Tang."

As the saying goes, don't bite the hand that feeds you. Qin Yinong nodded slightly, acknowledging the greeting.

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Teacher Huo."

Huo Yuke tactfully left.

Hao Meihua, on the other hand, was different. She bothered Qin Yinong while trying to get closer to her.

Even though they were several steps away, Hao Meihua managed to get close and affectionately held Qin Yinong's hand, saying, "Yinong."

— "Here we go again, the plastic sisters! Let's fight, let's fight!"

— "Wasn't it said that Qin Yinong had a fight with her at the Golden Magnolia Awards two years ago?"

— "Sigh, who can say for sure about the things in the industry? Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao have been rumored as counterparts for so long, just look at them now."

— "I ship Qin Yinong and Hao Meihua, a love-hate CP."

— "Qin and Tang are the best, the rest are all cults!"

Qin Yinong pulled her hand back politely, giving a faint smile, "Teacher Meihua."

Hao Meihua pretended, "It's been months since we last saw each other. Why are you being so distant?"

Qin Yinong smiled calmly and replied, "How can we be distant when we were never close to begin with?"

Hao Meihua's gaze fell on Tang Ruoyao beside her, and Tang Ruoyao timely spoke up, "Senior."

Hao Meihua impolitely said, "But you aren't distance with her?"

Qin Yinong: "..." She twitched at her temple, thinking, 'What kind of question is this? If someone doesn't know, they might think there's something between you and me.'

Tang Ruoyao also turned her gaze towards Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong said seriously, "Teacher Meihua, haven't you seen the news? My daughter considers her as her mommy, so she's definitely not an outsider."

Hao Meihua frowned and spoke disdainfully, "Her?"

Qin Yinong asked, "What do you mean?"

Hao Meihua's lips curved into a mocking smile as she said, "Nothing." She left with a flick of her sleeve.

Qin Yinong: "..."

Barrage comments:

— "Wow, it's turning into a battlefield."

— "Based on the situation, it doesn't seem favorable for Hao Meihua."

— "Can we have scissors, Qin & Tang & Hao, the vixen arrangement!"

— "Hao Meihua suddenly looks like an angry cat, hahaha."

Tang Ruoyao squinted as she watched Hao Meihua's departing figure and asked, "What's going on?"

Qin Yinong said, "I don't know, I really have nothing with her."

Tang Ruoyao raised an eyebrow and said, "Did I say there was something between you and her?" She spotted a familiar figure and changed the subject, "I'm going over there."

Qin Yinong replied, "...Okay, I also have acquaintances to see. We'll regroup later."

Tang Ruoyao gave her a friendly reminder, "We won't be sitting together."

Qin Yinong responded quickly, "We'll be sitting together eventually."

Once they publicly announce their relationship and attend events together, the organizers will naturally arrange their seats together.

The two of them separated in the lobby and each sought out acquaintances. Three years after graduating from university, Wen Shuxian and Fu Yujun also began entering the film industry. Although their TV dramas and films didn't perform particularly well, they had the qualifications to participate in the Golden Laurel Awards due to their popularity and fame.

They arrived earlier than Tang Ruoyao. As newcomers in the film industry and former roommates, they naturally stayed together.

Wen Shuxian saw Tang Ruoyao from a distance and immediately had a starry-eyed look. She came over and hugged Tang Ruoyao's arm, saying, "There are so many celebrities here."

Tang Ruoyao found her words amusing and laughed, "Aren't you a celebrity too?"

Wen Shuxian replied, "It's different. I am this." She pointed at herself, forming a small gap with her index finger and thumb, and then spread her arms wide, saying, "You are this."

Tang Ruoyao's lips curved slightly as she said, "It's not that exaggerated."

Wen Shuxian said, "No, it really is that exaggerated."

There is a big difference between the small screen and the big screen. Most TV drama actors want to make their way into the film industry, while film actors rarely "lower themselves" to act in TV dramas.

Wen Shuxian said, "For someone like me to act in a film would be overestimating my abilities. For someone like you to act in a TV drama is like a deity descending to earth."

Although she spoke in a relaxed tone, Tang Ruoyao could sense the disappointment in her eyes.

Wen Shuxian's film didn't receive a good response. Some people accused her of making money, while others said her acting skills were actually very poor, just an average performer. Being exposed on the big screen revealed her true colors. She could ignore the former, but the latter... seemed to have brought her down for a long time.

Fu Yujun spoke gently, "Everyone has their strengths, no need to be so discouraged. Besides, there is a huge difference in acting between films and TV dramas. To cross over from TV dramas to films and make a breakthrough in the first film, it would require a level of talent like the Purple Star descending from the sky."

Wen Shuxian looked at Tang Ruoyao.

Isn't Tang Ruoyao that Purple Star?

Tang Ruoyao quickly said, "You haven't forgotten who directed my first film, have you?"

Tang Ruoyao was trained by a famous director and couldn't be compared to others.

Tang Ruoyao said, "I only know how to act in films. If you ask me to shoot a TV drama, I might not be as good as you."

Wen Shuxian was never one to indulge in self-pity and immediately opened up.

Tang Ruoyao looked at Fu Yujun and noticed her absent-mindedness. She raised her hand and waved it in front of her eyes, bringing her back to reality. Tang Ruoyao asked, "What's wrong with you?"

Fu Yujun met her suspicious gaze and said, "I'm looking for Qin Yinong."

Tang Ruoyao's expression changed immediately.

"Do you have something to do with her?"

Fu Yujun paused slightly, then smiled and said, "Why, are you jealous? Does it bother you?"

Tang Ruoyao also realized that she was being jealous and laughed it off, saying, "She went to see someone she knows. Should I take you to find her?"

Fu Yujun replied, "No need."

Wen Shuxian interrupted, "No, we should. Let's bask in Qin Yinong's glory too. There are plenty of male and female leads here. I feel like I'm being overshadowed."

Tang and Fu both laughed.

In the end, Tang Ruoyao still led them to meet Qin Yinong. Even if she didn't go, Qin Yinong would have come over on her own. It's only natural to greet your in-law's family when you see them, right?

As soon as Wen Shuxian saw her, she immediately remembered what Fu Yujun said about the Purple Star descending from the sky, crossing over from TV dramas to films and making a breakthrough in the first attempt. Wasn't that her?

Wen Shuxian stood in front of the two, closed her eyes.

Tang Ruoyao asked in confusion, "What are you doing?"

With her eyes closed, Wen Shuxian said, "Bathing in the holy light of the Purple Star will help me improve my acting skills." This is a double Purple Star, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter! Even if it's superstitious, she must seize the opportunity!

Qin Yinong chuckled.

Fu Yujun looked at the empty spot behind Qin Yinong, pressed her thin lips together, and sighed imperceptibly.

The audience began to take their seats.

The few of them dispersed and sat down. Qin Yinong sat beside the chairman of the Golden Laurel Awards, still in the prime center of the first row. Tang Ruoyao was in the fourth row, sitting with the crew members from the same drama. Wen Shuxian and Fu Yujun were seated further back.

From the moment Tang Ruoyao sat down, she couldn't control her nervousness. Her palms were sweaty, fingers intertwined tightly, and she couldn't control the sweat in the palms of her hands.

Unbeknownst to herself, her face was unusually serious, her lips tightly pursed, and she couldn't even maintain her usual facial expressions. She couldn't even manage to appear relaxed.

The temperature in the venue was suitable, not too hot or too cold, and the air conditioning wasn't turned on. For female celebrities who had to attend evening events all year round, it should have been a comfortable environment. But Tang Ruoyao was sweating, and as the sweat evaporated, a chill crept into her body, causing her to shiver uncontrollably.

Qin Yinong turned back and looked at her with concern.

Qin Yinong took out her phone from her bag, opened a chat window, and sent a message.

A few minutes before the official start of the awards ceremony, a figure in a white professional suit entered the aisle of the audience section, holding a coat in her arm. Some people recognized her as Qin Yinong's assistant. Qin Yinong had many assistants, but this one was always by her side, never leaving her sight. In the eyes of certain people, she was a symbol of Qin Yinong.

Strange, wasn't Qin Yinong supposed to be in the first row? Why did she stop at the fourth row?

Guan Han, with a cold expression, walked in from the fourth row and handed her coat to the absent-minded Tang Ruoyao. Her tone was flat without any fluctuations as she said, "Teacher Qin asked me to give this to you."

Everyone nearby: "!!!"

Tang Ruoyao's nervous tension hadn't subsided yet, and her face instantly turned red.

She curled her fingers and reached out to take the coat, blushing for quite a while without even managing to say a word of thanks.

Seeing that she had nothing to say, Guan Han left.

She came and went in a hurry, not noticing the gaze that fell on her from the back row.

The live camera only captured the panoramic view, showing someone giving Tang Ruoyao a coat and leaving after that.

Live comments:

— "Whoa, who was that?"

— "Although I didn't see the entire face, she looks pretty good and has a good temperament."

— "Isn't that Tang Ruoyao's assistant? Maybe she felt cold."

— "What kind of looks do you guys have? She's clearly Qin Yinong's assistant, haven't you seen the Qin Yinong's Airport photos? It's this assistant, always dressed in formal attire, an icy and reserved young lady with a slim waist and long legs, wearing a black suit and white shirt, super handsome."

— "Damn, Assistant sister is mine!"

— "I'm switching sides, I'm stanning Assistant & Qin Emperor."

— "Then I'll stan Assistant & Tang Ruoyao, alright?"

— "Stop babbling! Qin Yinong's assistant giving Tang Ruoyao a coat, what does that imply?!"

— "My ship is real after all, I'm going crazy ahhh."

— "What a beautiful love story! Get married quickly!"

Tang Ruoyao put on the coat, and her phone in her pocket vibrated.

Qin Yinong: [Don't be nervous, I'll make you a midnight snack when we go back tonight.]

Tang Ruoyao chuckled.

What kind of comforting method was this?

Tang Ruoyao raised her hand to block the screen, preventing anyone from peeking, and typed quietly: [I can't eat it, I'll get fat.]

Qin Yinong replied: [Then I'll give you something else to eat. [sly smile]]

Tang Ruoyao and her had such great understanding that their thoughts immediately went in an unhealthy direction. She typed: [Like what?]

Qin Yinong sent several car models.

Suddenly, Tang Ruoyao's hands trembled a bit.

They were an old married couple, but they couldn't resist flirting, even through text messages, especially when surrounded by so many people.

Qin Yinong asked: [How do you want to eat?]

Tang Ruoyao also sent a few car models, some of which overlapped with Qin Yinong's choices.

Qin Yinong glanced around, lowered her head to look at the input box visible through her fingers, and typed: [Okay, I'll wait for you.]

She felt her breath quicken and immediately returned the phone to the home screen, visibly relieved, and put it back in her bag without a trace.

Hao Meihua withdrew her gaze, unable to express her mixed feelings.

It was just presenting an award, was it necessary to smile so radiantly?

With Qin Yinong interrupting by giving her another coat and flirting, Tang Ruoyao's nervousness eased considerably.

The five nominees this year were all outstanding, with veteran actors and newcomers. While Tang Ruoyao winning the award wasn't a sure thing, Qin Yinong had been instilling in her the belief that "you are the best," "you are fantastic," and "you will definitely win this year." Qin Yinong even managed to get Ningning on the show, laying the groundwork for their public relationship. Tang Ruoyao unconsciously started to believe in herself as well.

But as she sat here and carefully reflected, Qin Yinong saw her through rose-colored glasses, so of course she believed she was the best. What confidence did she have to be so certain that she would win this award?

However, since she was already here, Tang Ruoyao stopped pondering over this question. She wholeheartedly watched the award ceremony, applauding sincerely for one colleague after another who won awards.

Finally, the moment arrived.

The music on stage changed, becoming passionate and stirring, and the big screen started displaying the names of the nominees and their nominated works.

The host's voice resounded: "Next, we will announce the winner of the Best Actress award at this year's Golden Laurel Awards. Please welcome the presenters, Qin Yinong and Han Yuping!"

The two people in the front row of the audience stood up and went on stage.

In the past, Tang Ruoyao would have desperately wanted to carefully examine every frame of Qin Yinong's expression, but today she closed her eyes and clasped her hands together.

Qin Yinong picked up the golden envelope, completely opaque, unable to see anything from the outside.

Her gaze flickered, and she reached out to open it. Han Yuping quickly coughed and said, "I wonder whose crown for Best Actress will be awarded this year?" He turned his head to look at the big screen and was surprised to see Tang Ruoyao with her eyes closed.

When had he ever seen Tang Ruoyao so nervous?

...It was understandable that Qin Yinong, who didn't even want to make a small talk, felt that way.

Qin Yinong reluctantly delayed the time with Han Yuping. She had already opened the envelope seal in her hand, and with two fingers, she pulled out a gilded hard card. Qin Yinong held her breath and slowly unfolded the card, revealing a name that flowed smoothly on the paper.

She smiled.

Qin Yinong held the card and read it seriously, "Next, I announce that the Best Actress of this year's Golden Laurel Awards is—"

Boom.

Drumbeat sound effects filled the venue.

One of the nominees on the big screen, just like Tang Ruoyao, closed her eyes, while the other three tightened their grip on their handbags and stared fixedly at the stage.

"Is—" Qin Yinong raised her voice, and the name of a person resounded throughout the venue, "Tang Ruoyao!"

Applause.

Applause erupted.

Surrounding the spotlight shining down, applause echoed from all directions.

Tang Ruoyao opened her eyes, tears falling from her eyes.

She sniffed, as if trying to stop the tears, but it was futile. She raised her hands to cover her eyes, tears streaming down her face.

No one knew what she was feeling at this moment.

On the stage, Qin Yiniog's eyes were slightly red. She spoke into the microphone, "Please come up on stage."

Tang Ruoyao stood up from her seat and hugged everyone around her. Wen Shuxian appeared out of nowhere with a bouquet of flowers and rushed to the front to hug her. Overwhelmed with excitement, she cried and laughed, and then stuffed the bouquet into Tang Ruoyao's arms.

A large bouquet of fiery red roses.

Tang Ruoyao held the bouquet of roses, smiling through tears, and walked towards Qin Yinong on the stage amidst applause.

Live comments:

— "What's happening? What's happening?"

— "Damn it! My OTP is really getting married today!!!"

— "Here's where the Wedding March should play."

— "Ah, I'm done for, really done for, I can't handle this!"

— "Ahhhhh, God, Lord, Holy Mary, thank you for letting me ship this couple."

— "Sweet tears, the award ceremony turned into a wedding scene in an instant. What kind of divine couple is this?"

— "Alwarn's funeral ground is no longer enough to describe me. I urgently need a ventilator. I'm ascending to heaven right here, right now."

Qin Yinong had a gentle smile on her face as she watched Tang Ruoyao approach step by step, until she stood in front of her, just inches away.

"Close your eyes." the woman's voice was soft and low.

Tang Ruoyao obediently closed her eyes.

Qin Yinong reached out with one hand and gently embraced Tang Ruoyao, lowering her head to tenderly kiss away the tears on her eyelashes.

BACK | TABLE OF CONTENTS | NEXT