CHAPTER 226

After clarifying the misunderstanding, Qin Yinong still ordered everyone to disperse on the spot and leave for the day.

The group of people scattered like birds and beasts. Faced with Qin Yinong's protective gaze, they had no choice but to disperse. The corridor became quiet and peaceful.

Qin Yinong naturally took the lunchbox from Tang Ruoyao's hand and held her hand as they walked back to the office.

Guan Han stood in place like a guardian deity, deterring all curious onlookers.

Tang Ruoyao, like a young wife, was led inside by Qin Yinong. Only Guan Han saw it, and her eyes shimmered brightly.

"Why did you come out?" Tang Ruoyao whispered after entering the office. There was still a lingering blush on her ears, and she used her free hand to brush her hair, discreetly covering it up.

"I couldn't wait any longer." Qin Yinong said.

Tang Ruoyao's ears grew hot again.

They practically saw each other every day, yet it felt like they were still in their honeymoon phase.

They placed the lunchbox on the coffee table and went to wash their hands together. Inside, they whispered sweet nothings for a while before coming out to have lunch.

Qin Yinong watched as Tang Ruoyao lifted the lid of the lunchbox, tilting her face upward and eagerly asking, "What delicious dishes did you make? Did you cook them yourself?"

She was asking about the food, but her eyes were fixed on Tang Ruoyao.

Suddenly, Tang Ruoyao remembered the phrase she once said on the set: "Teacher Tang is as appetizing as a feast."

The young woman couldn't help but tug at the corner of her lips.

"Sweet and sour pork ribs, pine nut cinnamon fish, honey-glazed barbecue pork, osmanthus sugar lotus root..." Tang Ruoyao presented each dish layer by layer and said, "And the last one, smashed cucumber."

A small plate of cold cucumber salad was placed in front of Qin Yinong.

Tang Ruoyao pointed at two of the dishes and said, "I made these two, and the rest were made by mom."

Tang Ruoyao's use of the word "mom" became more and more natural, reaching the point where it slipped out effortlessly.

"What did you do at home this morning?" Qin Yinong portioned two bowls of white rice and handed one to Tang Ruoyao, casually asking.

Tang Ruoyao lifted her bowl, recalling and answering, "I posted on Weibo, read a book, played games with Ningning for a while, and cooked. How about you?"

Qin Yinong said, "We had a meeting, and after the meeting, I saw your Weibo post, so I called you and you said you were coming over. I've been waiting for you."

The two of them smiled at each other and picked up food with their chopsticks and put it into each other's bowls.

Life doesn't need so many ups and downs, the most precious thing is ordinary happiness. Whether they were the company's CEO or a popular young actress outside, when they returned to each other's side, they were just an ordinary couple.

Speaking of the Weibo post, Qin Yinong said, "Don't post these kinds of things anymore."

Tang Ruoyao was puzzled and asked, "Hmm? Why?"

Qin Yinong replied, "There's no need for unrelated people to see how our lives are."

Tang Ruoyao obediently replied in a soft voice, "Okay."

Qin Yinong suddenly realized, or rather, she changed her perspective to think about the problem. They live their own lives, they can laugh or be mischievous as they please. Perhaps there will be insignificant quarrels in the future, but it's their own life. Lin Ruohan was right. She had a family, a spouse, and a daughter. It wasn't worth getting upset over those people.

Qin Yinong no longer held any grudges and candidly said, "Actually, I was angry because those fans were shouting nonsense, not because I thought you didn't love me if you didn't show affection publicly."

Tang Ruoyao thought to herself, shouting nonsense?

Her mind turned, she squinted her eyes and said, "I understand."

Qin Yinong said, "Anyway, I won't bring up this matter again, and I won't mind it anymore."

Tang Ruoyao nodded.

It seemed like this issue was resolved.

After their meal, the two of them tidied up the coffee table together. Tang Ruoyao said, "I received a new film project. It starts shooting on the 10th of next month. Do you want to come with me?"

Tang Ruoyao had been mentioning her available schedule since February, saying she could join a production at any time. Scripts flew to her like snowflakes, and in the end, she chose a spy war film called "Double Shadow," in which she played an underground party member.

Qin Yinong helped her go through the details, and the crew and other actors were top-notch. If Qin Yinong didn't already have "Empress Wu Zetian" in her hands, she might have considered investing in this film. Although she couldn't act in it personally, Qin Yinong could invest, and she had high hopes for the film's box office performance after its release.

Qin Yinong said, "Let me check my schedule." It should be fine for her to accompany Tang Ruoyao, but how long she could stay would need further consideration.

"Okay." Tang Ruoyao said.

They tidied up the coffee table and sat on the sofa, chatting for a while before returning to the inner lounge to take a nap together. In the afternoon, Qin Yinong worked while Tang Ruoyao sat in a recliner by the floor-to-ceiling window, reading a film script.

Occasionally, they exchanged glances and a faint smile appeared on their lips.

As the evening sky lit up with sunset, Qin Yinong closed her computer, and the two of them held hands and went home.

In the evening, as Tang Ruoyao mentioned in her Weibo post, they planned to "have a baby" together.

In early June, Tang Ruoyao had a photoshoot for a magazine cover, and the magazine's official Weibo account released a small and playful interview. They asked the stars about their understanding of fan slang terms, and Tang Ruoyao answered in a nonchalant manner, half understanding and half not.

For the final question, the reporter asked, "How do you feel about passionate fans calling you 'husband' or 'wife' every day? Does it bother you, considering you are in a committed relationship? Will Qin Yinong, the acclaimed actress, feel jealous?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "She's usually busy and doesn't pay much attention to online matters. But personally, I think... that kind of address is somewhat offensive."

The reporter asked, "What do you mean?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "I hope my fans like me because of my work, not because of who Tang Ruoyao is as a person. I also don't like being defined by any specific label. If I have to have one, I hope it's: she acts in great movies."

Tang Ruoyao sat confidently on the sofa, elegantly crossing her long legs, and with a slight smile, she said, "Compared to fans, I prefer calling everyone 'film enthusiasts'."

The reporter picked up the topic, "Has Tang Ruoyao recently taken on a new film?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Yes, I'll start filming next week. It's a spy war film."

The reporter said, "We are looking forward to Ruoyao bringing us new surprises."

Tang Ruoyao shared this interview on her homepage, and her fans initially screamed in excitement, calling her "husband" and "wife" all over the place. But after watching the video, different voices started to emerge gradually.

[Listen to Sister's words, be a film enthusiast, not just a fan.]

[Those who constantly make a fuss, calm down a bit. Must Tang Tang explicitly say that she dislikes you all so much?]

[Tang Tang is an actress, not a love idol selling a persona. Let's respect her profession, focus on her work. Now we can start trending the topic: #DoubleShadow #TangRuoyao.]

Of course, not everyone would obediently follow.

[Why didn't we hear you mind it before when you were dating Qin Yinong? Now that you're in love, you suddenly mind it. Don't take your fans seriously, right? Unfollowing you.]

[All female celebrities who are in love have love-brain. Goodbye, not supporting anymore.]

[Last time you posted a devotional Weibo that destroyed your image, making many people mock you. Today you deliberately reposted such an interview, I've never seen someone chase away their own fans like this, complaining that you have too many fans. How long have we been supporting you, compared to how long she has been with you? In the future, if you break up, don't come back begging us fans. Oh, I forgot to say, starting today I will no longer follow you, do whatever you want.]

Tang Ruoyao's fans quickly gathered, and it became a hot topic.

The onlookers rushed over and made mocking comments without reservation.

Netizen 1: [I thought something big happened. It turns out it's just the self-righteousness of modern fan circles. Don't you have any sense of self-awareness? Let me tell you something I heard before: Do you know why stars hire bodyguards? It's to protect themselves from fans like you.]

Netizen 2: [Regarding the phrase "how long have we been supporting you, compared to how long she has been with you.", it made me laugh. Let me answer that. They have known each other since childhood and grew up together. Just based on this, you fans have already lost.]

Netizen 3: [I really don't understand the current trend. Everything is being dragged into the fan circle. Please spare a true actor from this. She is an actress, not someone who exists for you. I feel like vomiting when I see these idiotic comments.]

Shipper fan jumps in: [Qin and Tang are real! Laughing so hard!]

Lin Ruohan came across this interview and decisively held her phone, thinking that Qin Yinong was about to show off to her again. She waited for a whole day, but there was no sign of Qin Yinong. Unable to bear it, she sent a message: [Did you forget something?]

Qin Yinong, who had quit internet addiction, replied: [???]

Lin Ruohan shared the link with her.

After reading it, Qin Yinong fell silent for a moment and asked in confusion: [Are there really people who not only feed themselves dog food, but also let other others spoon-feed them?]

Lin Ruohan: [...]

Lin Ruohan: [[Goodbye][Goodbye]]

Qin Yinong burst into laughter.

She turned to share it with Tang Ruoyao, and Tang Ruoyao responded with a voice message: "I never liked it in the first place, I just couldn't be bothered to care. Now, it's just the right time. Using your reputation, I'll clear my name."

Qin Yinong pretended to be unhappy and said, "So you're using me as a scapegoat?"

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but laugh, and she played along, saying, "Yes, yes."

Qin Yinong burst into laughter.

After Tang Ruoyao boldly expressed her love through lyrics, Ren Xingyue wrote a song for Lin Ruohan titled "Baby."

Many netizens expressed: "We can't live like this anymore!"

Lin Ruohan was delighted and finally showed off to Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong graciously expressed her envy, although she didn't actually feel envious at all. How many words are in a song compared to the hundred thousand-word thesis Tang Ruoyao wrote for her? But this is their symbol of love and must not be revealed to anyone.

On June 10th, Tang Ruoyao joined the filming of "Double Shadows," and Qin Yinong finished her work to accompany her on a flight to the Z Province Film and Television Base.

The two of them were open and honest, without any concealment. They departed from the capital airport together, boarded the same flight, and arrived in H City.

They had already come out as a couple at last month's Golden Laurel Awards ceremony, so it was well-known. The production team's assistant who was responsible for picking them up had mentally prepared themselves, but when they actually received the two people, one of whom was the famous Qin Yinong, they were still stunned for a few seconds.

The production assistant quickly took a few steps forward and took the suitcases from Guan Han and Xin Qian's hands. "I'll handle it."

She glanced at Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao with the corner of her eye. Qin Yinong got into the car first, then turned back and held Tang Ruoyao's hand, leading her inside.

The sunlight spilled over Tang Ruoyao's shoulder, making her whole side glow. She looked up at the woman in the car, with a faint smile on her lips and affection in her eyes. Even without looking at Qin Yinong's expression in the car, one could guess that she must be wearing the same enamored look as Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao got into the car, leaving behind a patch of sunlight.

The production assistant withdrew her gaze, feeling a bit dazed. She thought to herself, "Is this all an act or is it real? Why does it look so dreamy? It feels unreal."

Throughout the journey, she observed this couple who were the talk of the town.

They did nothing different from ordinary couples, just holding hands and quietly chatting in the back seat. Occasionally, laughter would escape, mostly from Qin Yinong, while Tang Ruoyao would smile but not make a sound, as seen in the rearview mirror.

After observing them for a while, the production assistant found it quite ordinary. If anything, they were more affectionate than the average couple. Qin Yinong was fine; her behavior matched her image. As for Tang Ruoyao... the production assistant couldn't connect her with the familiar Tang Ruoyao and began to suspect that she had been possessed by someone else.

The group arrived at the hotel arranged by the production team, each with their own thoughts.

They considerately arranged a luxury suite for Tang Ruoyao, suitable for couples. Now that Qin Yinong could openly live with her, there was no need to buy or rent a villa near the set, especially since the hotel was even closer to the filming location, making it more convenient for Tang Ruoyao.

The production assistant obtained the room key and escorted the two upstairs, leaving their contact information and tactfully departing.

Guan Han and Xin Qian cleaned the room, changed the beddings they brought, and busily worked.

Qin Yinong had nowhere to go and felt like a hindrance. She suggested, "Shall we go out for a walk?"

Tang Ruoyao nodded.

The two put on their masks and walked aimlessly along the streets after leaving the hotel. It happened to be a beautiful sunset, casting their shadows behind them, intertwining and stretching long.

......

The next day, the marketing account released a similar press release.

[Qin Yinong sees Tang Ruoyao off at the Capital Airport, Displaying Affection]

[Qin Yinong Reluctant to Part with Tang Ruoyao, Personally Accompanies Her to the Set]

[Tang Ruoyao Joins the 'Double Shadows' Production, Constantly Accompanied by Qin Yinong]

[Adorable Wife Clings to Her: Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao Inseparable, Even in This Matter?]

In the airport photos that were released, Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao stood together in matching outfits. Perhaps something had gotten into their eyes, as Tang Ruoyao had her eyes slightly closed, while Qin Yinong delicately blew on her eyes with one hand.

Netizens expressed:

[kswlkswl]

[Hahaha, now I believe the words of Emperor Qin: 'I rely on her a lot.']

[Sigh, not only relying on her, but truly super clingy. It's a bit cute, isn't it! Qin Emperor must have been suffocating when they weren't public before. Now they're really going all out to show off.]

Due to frequent appearances on the hot search lists, some netizens commented:

[Too much marketing lately, it's ruining the goodwill. Better to keep a low profile and avoid backfiring.]

People say what they want to say, but the parties involved remain unconcerned.

Qin Yinong stayed in City H for two days before returning to Beijing, starting a life shuttling between the capital and City H. She visited the set a few times and made it to the hot search again. She was surrounded by fans asking for autographs, kissed Tang Ruoyao in her resting room, and took naps together.

In August, Qin Yinong went on a business trip, flying abroad to discuss the specific collaboration process for "Empress Wu Zetian" with director Robin and other producers from different companies. The progress went smoothly, and they were planning to start filming next year.

In September, Tang Ruoyao's contract was about to expire, and Mu Qingwu began preparing for the establishment of Tang Ruoyao's studio. They poached several key personnel from their previous company, Star Media, and Qin Yinong also assigned a few experienced old employees to help the studio operate. A month later, Tang Ruoyao's studio was officially established and hung its sign in Qin Yinong's office.

In October, Tang Ruoyao finished filming and returned to her management company to settle the contract termination.

The executive, Gao Hai, who had spoken with her before, felt quite regretful. He originally thought Tang Ruoyao had an extraordinary background. When she mentioned changing managers, she even used the excuse that "her family wanted her to explore the world." Who would have thought that this family member turned out to be Qin Yinong?

"I hope you shine brightly in the future, with a brilliant path ahead." Regardless of anything else, business transactions should still be conducted with integrity. He couldn't afford to offend Qin Yinong any further, so Gao Hai extended his right hand first and sincerely wished her well.

"Thank you, Mr. Gao."

Tang Ruoyao shook hands with Gao Hai in a friendly manner.

Gao Hai personally saw her off, and on the way, they encountered her former manager, Ruan Qin, who was in a hurry and walked past them without noticing Tang Ruoyao. It was only when she got closer that she realized Tang Ruoyao's presence. It was too late to turn back, so she mustered the courage and called out, "President Gao, Teacher Tang."

Ruan Qin lowered her head and walked away.

Fear and cowardice were completely different from the person who once domineered over Tang Ruoyao.

Gao Hai knew that Tang Ruoyao and Ruan Qin had conflicts in the past and glanced at Tang Ruoyao's expression.

Tang Ruoyao's expression remained unchanged, and a faint smile appeared at the corner of her lips when she noticed Gao Hai looking her way. "What's the matter?"

Gao Hai said, "Nothing."

He gestured ahead and said, "The elevator is over there."

Tang Ruoyao smiled and replied, "I know the way." After all, she had been here for seven years.

Gao Hai just smiled.

At the entrance of the lobby on the first floor, Tang Ruoyao said, "Mr. Gao, you can stop here. No need to accompany me further."

Gao Hai asked thoughtfully, "Is there a car coming to pick you up?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Yes."

Gao Hai took two more steps and said gently, "Then I'll just send you off to here."

Tang Ruoyao expressed her gratitude.

Gao Hai watched her get into the black Maybach at the entrance and then turned back.

The back seat was dimly lit, and a woman held Tang Ruoyao's hand in hers, gently stroking her smooth hand with her fingertips. She asked softly, "Is everything settled?"

"Mm." Tang Ruoyao looked through the car window at the familiar building in front of her and stared at it for a long time without moving, even taking two seconds to respond.

"Not willing to leave?" Qin Yinong followed her gaze.

"It's not that." Tang Ruoyao withdrew her gaze and said calmly, "I ran into Ruan Qin."

This was truly a name from the distant past. Qin Yinong recalled for a few seconds before responding, "I see."

But Tang Ruoyao didn't continue the conversation.

And Qin Yinong didn't ask further.

She ran into Ruan Qin, just like the thought that had occurred to Qin Yinong earlier. It felt like encountering a person from a long time ago, so long that she almost forgot about this person. She didn't think much of it, she just ran into someone from her memories, nothing more.

Qin Yinong asked, "Are we going to your new studio or directly to have a meal?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "Let's go to the studio. I haven't seen it yet."

As soon as the filming of the movie was finished, they returned to Star Media. Tang Ruoyao only heard from Mu Qingwu that Qin Yinong had been a great help. Tang Ruoyao acknowledged it and casually brushed it off. There was no need for further gratitude between them.

Qin Yinong's eyebrows slightly raised, clearly indicating her satisfaction with Tang Ruoyao's decision.

The new office building was grand, with a huge logo displaying the company's name. Tang Ruoyao stood at the bottom of the steps and inadvertently looked up, suddenly stunned.

Qin Tang Film & Media.

Tang Ruoyao widened her eyes and looked at the woman beside her.

Qin Yinong smiled with curved eyebrows.

A surge of warmth rose from the depths of Tang Ruoyao's eyes. She sniffed and held back her tears, choking out, "When did you...?" She could hardly complete the sentence.

Qin Yinong gently embraced her shoulder and said, "While you were filming."

Qin Yinong's company was originally called Ping An Media. At that time, her greatest wish was for Ji Shulan and Ningning to live safely and not end up like her sister. She never expected that she would have a lifelong partner.

Tang Ruoyao threw herself into Qin Yinong's arms, unable to hold back her tears.

Qin Yinong looked up at the shining logo under the sunlight, which stung her eyes slightly.

She closed her eyes and rested her chin on Tang Ruoyao's shoulder, smiling softly.

The two of them embraced silently at the entrance for a while. Qin Yinong gently patted the young woman's back and chuckled, "If we don't go in soon, we'll be treated like monkeys in a zoo."

Tang Ruoyao raised her sleeve to wipe away her tears.

Qin Yinong sighed with a wry smile, "Oh dear."

Tang Ruoyao let go of her hand, firmly held it, and said, "Let's go in."

Qin Yinong led Tang Ruoyao to the floor of her studio, where the employees were already working. Qin Yinong had an access card, and she tapped it, hearing the automatic door open. The receptionist looked up—

Her mouth opened wide enough to fit an egg.

Qin Yinong accepted the attention of everyone, also playing the role of the boss, and it felt quite good.

Qin Yinong had been closely involved in the decoration of this place before it was put into use. She took Tang Ruoyao to the office, and the employees whispered to each other, "Why does President Qin seem more familiar with this place than Miss Tang? She hasn't been here before, right?"

"You're so dumb, this entire office building belongs to President Qin."

"I heard that President Qin personally arranged the office."

Qin Yinong closed the door and asked behind Tang Ruoyao, "What do you think?"

Tang Ruoyao looked around the brand-new office, spacious, clean, and spotless. There were a few pots of green plants in the corners, not much decoration, but every detail was exquisite. It was comfortable at first glance, perfectly suiting Tang Ruoyao's aesthetics.

Qin Yinong eagerly said, "Try the office chair I bought for you."

She said that but didn't come closer herself. Tang Ruoyao didn't expose her and sat in the chair behind the desk. Her gaze swept over a photo frame on the table, revealing a knowing smile.

Qin Yinong looked disappointed, "You figured it out."

Tang Ruoyao smiled and said, "No, I only guessed that you had prepared a surprise, but I didn't know what it was exactly."

Qin Yinong walked over and pointed at the photo frame, saying, "It's our first date photo, the one that our fan took for us last time. I got it developed."

"I know." Tang Ruoyao looked at the radiant smiles of the two people in the photo frame, her gaze gradually becoming tender.

Qin Yinong said, "We'll have more photos together in the future."

Tang Ruoyao softly replied, "Mmm."

Qin Yinong held her chin with one hand and said seriously, "So we need to buy a DSLR camera."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Hmm? What?"

She suddenly raised her head.

Qin Yinong burst into laughter.

Tang Ruoyao also laughed heartily.

To celebrate Tang Ruoyao establishing her studio and the completion of the movie, with two joyful occasions, Qin Yinong organized a gathering, inviting Tang Ruoyao's friends and her own friends to have a lively party.

Qin Yinong raised her hand to block the rim of the wine glass in front of her and looked at her friend who was about to pour wine for her with a puzzled expression.

Qin Yinong turned to Tang Ruoyao and asked, "Can I drink?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "Just a little."

Qin Yinong released the glass rim, lifted her chin slightly, and said, "Go ahead, just a little."

Her friend poured wine for her while joking, "You're so whipped."

Qin Yinong's eyes flickered, and she smiled shyly.

Her friend immediately looked shocked.

Is she even capable of feeling shy?

Lin Ruohan, the only one who saw through the truth, was indignant and criticized her behavior, "She's intentionally showing off their love! Shameless!"

Qin Yinong calmly said, "I'm not, I didn't. Don't make up stories. I had stomach surgery, so I can't drink much."

Coincidentally, Ren Xingyue stuffed a shelled nut into Lin Ruohan's mouth.

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow and said, "So who's the one showing off their love? It's obvious, isn't it?" She let out a disdainful snort, "The pot calling the kettle black."

[The phrase "the pot calling the kettle black" is an idiom that refers to a situation where someone criticizes or accuses another person of a fault or flaw that the accuser themselves also has.]

Several people at the table were getting ready to approach Lin Ruohan.

Lin Ruohan fled in panic, cursing as she ran.

Qin Yinong laughed happily.

The three people from 405 surrounded Tang Ruoyao in the middle, chatting and asking about each other's recent situations.

It ended very late, and everyone bid farewell one by one.

Tang Ruoyao had drunk quite a bit of alcohol and was somewhat intoxicated, stumbling and walking unsteadily. Qin Yinong helped her into the car, and once she was seated, she behaved well, resting her head on Qin Yinong's shoulder and softly humming an old song they had sung that night:

If I hadn't met you, where would I be?

How would my days be passing, would I cherish life?

Perhaps getting to know a certain someone, living an ordinary life,

I wonder if I would also have sweet love.

As time hurriedly passes by, I only care about you.

As time hurriedly passes by, I only care about you.

Tang Ruoyao lifted her head, her gaze slightly hazy, and smiled sweetly. Qin Yinong lowered her head and kissed her.

The car raced through the dark night, with a light shining at the end.

That was the direction of home.

"Some things that hinder you are actually for today, tomorrow, and the long years to come, so that what truly belongs to you will ultimately be yours. Sometimes, what you think is your destination is just a transition, what you think is a transition is actually your destination."  - "Book Time" by Zhang Zongzi

Author's Note: The main story is complete. Thank you all for your support. There will be an extra chapter tomorrow. Feel free to suggest what you want to see, although I can't guarantee I'll write it, haha.

New story "Runaway Bride," the title and synopsis may change. Everyone, please add it to your reading list.

MZNRGN: Omg I'm finally done translating with the main story!! Only extra chapters remaining, and we're almost done with the Presumptuous novel! Thank you so much everyone!

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