CHAPTER 232: Qin & Tang Extra 06

Tang Ruoyao had never experienced someone placing their finger on her lips until now. 

The woman's fingertips seemed to carry an invisible electric current that spread from the point of contact, slowly creeping along her skin. This strange sensation made her want to break free, but she was pretending to sleep and couldn't escape.

Moreover, Qin Yinong had the authority to dominate her, so even if she touched her lips, let alone touch other places, Tang Ruoyao couldn't resist.

"The taste is not bad." 

Unexpectedly, a woman's voice echoed in her mind.

Tang Ruoyao's fair face flushed inch by inch, instinctively feeling embarrassed and humiliated by being toyed with. Tears welled up in the corners of her closed eyes, seeping into her temples.

Qin Yinong was taken aback. She had only touched her lips, nothing more, not even a kiss. Why was she crying?

Qin Yinong silently reflected on herself and retracted her hand. The room door closed, and the footsteps outside gradually faded away.

Tang Ruoyao, with teary and blurry eyes, wiped her face with the back of her hand. 'She left? Did she just let me go like that?'

'Did she not like it when I cried, so she lost interest in sleeping with me?'

For a moment, Tang Ruoyao felt that Qin Yinong wasn't so bad. Based on what she had heard, patrons don't treat courtesans like human beings; they do whatever they want unless they hold a special position of favor. And she seemed to be favored... right? Qin Yinong had countless lovers, and she frequently visited Tang Ruoyao to have her services, so she should be favored.

But Tang Ruoyao didn't want this kind of favor. Although she didn't feel physical pain from sleeping with Qin Yinong, it still happened, and it happened frequently. It wasn't a good thing for her.

Tang Ruoyao turned over, thinking, 'how can I make her lose interest in me?'

Meanwhile, Qin Yinong lay on the couch in the living room for a while. The image of Tang Ruoyao crying kept appearing in her mind, and her heart felt a bit heavy. She picked up the glass by her side and absentmindedly took a sip, only to realize it was empty.

She poured herself another glass, trying to push away the irrelevant images and empty her mind. It was time to go home; she had been away for too long.

......

Qin Residence.

The scorching August sun cast a fiery glow, and the carved iron gate of the courtyard shimmered in the sunlight.

Qin Lunong paced slowly in the living room. Her pregnant belly was becoming more prominent, and her slender body seemed even weaker. Ji Shulan came out carrying a bowl of soup and greeted her, "Lunong, come and have some soup."

Qin Lunong raised her eyelids, sweat glistening on her fair forehead, and softly said, "I'm coming, thank you, Mom."

Ji Shulan came over and held her arm.

Qin Lunong chuckled, "I can walk by myself."

Ji Shulan worriedly said, "You have two lives within you now, so be careful."

Qin Lunong rolled her eyes where Ji Shulan couldn't see.

Ji Shulan guided her to sit at the dining table and stared at her intently, saying, "Drink it."

Qin Lunong hesitated and asked seriously, "Mom, don't you have anything else to do?"

Ji Shulan was the one who gave birth to Qin Lunong. How could she not know?

Ji Shulan replied, tilting her head, "Are you finding Mom bothersome?"

Qin Lunong smiled gently, "How could I dare?" She lowered her head, stirred the soup with a white porcelain spoon, scooped up a spoonful, blew on it to cool it down, and held it to Ji Shulan's lips. Ji Shulan said, "I don't need to drink it, I already tasted it while I was cooking."

But her actions were completely contradictory to her words.

She opened her mouth and took the first sip her daughter fed her, laughing so hard that her teeth disappeared. She urged, "I'll get cold soon."

Qin Lunong slowly started drinking the chicken soup.

Ji Shulan looked at the thin wrist revealed by Qin Lunong rolling up her sleeves, her eyes filled with sighs and heartache that couldn't be hidden.

Why doesn't she gain weight?

Qin Yinong entered the house and was greeted by this scene of a loving mother and filial daughter.

She didn't let the car enter the courtyard, so neither of them heard any noise inside the house. Qin Lunong was the first to see her and exclaimed in surprise, "Dudu!"

Ji Shulan also looked up. "You're back."

Qin Yinong responded "Yes" indifferently, bending down to change into slippers.

Qin Lunong waved at her. "Come here quickly."

Qin Yinong walked over with measured steps. "What's the matter?"

Qin Lunong pushed the bowl of chicken soup in front of her, propped her chin on her hand, and blinked her eyes. "I can't finish it."

Qin Lunong had poor health, and her appetite wasn't big. Eating too much could upset her stomach, but she still had cravings when she saw delicious food. Luckily, she had a sister who could accommodate her big belly. Qin Lunong would take a few bites to taste it, and the rest would be handed over to Qin Yinong. When Qin Yinong was young, she didn't know and thought her sister was being kind to her. It was touching to think about it, and she would tell everyone that her sister was especially good to her. Little did she know that her sister had been scheming against her since childhood.

Otherwise, how come she was so chubby when they were both born from the same mother? Qin Lunong had always had a slender figure, and all the fat that was supposed to go to her grew on her sister.

Qin Yinong wanted to say, "I'm an artist now and I have to control my figure. I can't let you make me chubby again." But the words got stuck in her throat. She sat down and silently handed over the bowl of soup.

Ji Shulan spoke up, "This is to nourish your sister's body."

Qin Yinong's movements paused.

Qin Lunong's face darkened slightly, and there was a silent reproach in her eyes as she looked at Ji Shulan.

Ji Shulan was used to listening to Qin Lunong's words, so she quietly walked away.

Qin Yinong pushed the bowl back again and said in a low voice, "You drink it."

Qin Lunong said, "I'm full. If you don't want it, then throw it away."

Qin Yinong's chest rose and fell slightly, and she raised her voice, "Mom."

Ji Shulan, who was always on standby, returned once again. "What's the matter?"

Qin Yinong said, "She said she's full, you take it."

The bowl of chicken soup was passed back and forth, and no one drank it. In the end, a layer of oil formed on the surface, and it had already cooled down to the point where it couldn't be consumed anymore.

Just like this, they could never return to the way things were in the beginning, to their original home.

After the meal, Qin Yinong went back to her room to take a nap. Qin Lunong gently caressed her belly, doing prenatal education for her baby on the sofa, speaking softly.

Ji Shulan finished cleaning the kitchen and sat beside her, reaching out to touch it lovingly. "I'm the grandmother."

Qin Lunong laughed softly.

Her appearance resembled Qin Yinong by about fifty percent, but she was more dignified and refined, lacking the charming allure between her eyebrows. Her voice was also slightly lower and clear and gentle.

Ji Shulan, who was talking to the baby in Qin Lunong's belly, lowered her voice and asked Qin Lunong, "What's wrong with your sister?"

Qin Lunong looked surprised and said, "Did I hear you correctly? Are you asking about Dudu?"

Ji Shulan was both angry and amused. "What do you mean? Isn't she my daughter?"

Qin Lunong solemnly nodded. "It's good that you know."

Ji Shulan sighed, "You know very well that we've never had a good conversation. She's grown up now, and even more so..."

Qin Lunong interrupted her in a leisurely voice, "Now you regret it? I told you before, don't treat one better than the other. Treat everyone equally. I even went abroad to create opportunities for both of you to get along. Why didn't you seize it?"

Ji Shulan widened her eyes and stammered, "You went abroad for this?"

Qin Lunong said, "No, I was lying to you."

Ji Shulan: "..."

Qin Lunong burst into laughter.

Ji Shulan pretended to be angry and complained, "You, child." She complained to the baby, "In the future, don't be like your mother, okay?"

Qin Lunong mimicked the baby's voice in a soft and tender manner, "Okay, Grandma."

Ji Shulan was distracted by her and took a while to remember the main issue. Since Qin Lunong returned, Qin Yinong hadn't come home for a visit in the past ten or fifteen days.

In the past, whenever Qin Lunong came home, Qin Yinong would always be trailing behind, asking, "Where's my sister?"

But now it had become like this.

Ji Shulan didn't understand. For her, Qin Lunong was her daughter, whether she succeeded in her career or returned home with disappointment, she was still her beloved daughter. Ji Shulan felt heartbroken and sad when Qin Lunong became pregnant before marriage, but after her sadness, she became even more meticulous in taking care of and cherishing her. Isn't family supposed to help and support each other?

Ji Shulan truly didn't understand this youngest daughter of hers.

Just like how she didn't understand why Qin Yinong gave up her studies and entered the entertainment industry, Ji Shulan didn't understand how much harm Qin Yinong had suffered from the outside world and her own blood relatives during her entanglement with Qin Hongjian. Ji Shulan didn't understand how Qin Yinong climbed step by step to her current position, or why she was always striving and never satisfied.

She had missed too much, and she couldn't understand anymore.

Qin Lunong turned her head and glanced in the direction of the stairs. Her eyes were tinged with bitterness as she said, "She's living a difficult life."

She was her sister, and Qin Lunong understood.

Ji Shulan was still confused, "What does her difficult life have to do with you? Besides, isn't she enjoying a better life now?"

Qin Lunong shook her head helplessly and said to Ji Shulan, "Don't talk to her about this topic. Give her more time."

Ji Shulan said, "I'm not worried about myself. I'm worried about you and how she treats you."

Qin Lunong lowered her voice, "Mom, if you keep doing this, I'll get angry."

Ji Shulan closed her mouth.

......

When Tang Ruoyao woke up, Qin Yinong was nowhere to be seen. The house was empty. She leisurely prepared breakfast for herself and wondered if she had fallen out of favor.

Had Qin Yinong gone to please another lover? If that's the case, it's perfect. It would be best if she never came back.

The ICU fees were incredibly high, and Tang Hanzhang had been staying there since the accident. With the money Tang Ruoyao received, it would be enough to sustain them for some time. After visiting Tang Hanzhang that day, the doctor called her aside.

In front of Qin Yinong, Tang Ruoyao was  always terrified on the inside but maintained a calm facade. At most, she shed a few tears that quickly dried up.

On the day Tang Hanzhang was rushed to the hospital, Jiang Xuezhen came from Z City and forcefully pounded on Tang Ruoyao's shoulders, cursing her with harsh words. Tang Ruoyao silently endured it, and with the hit-and-run incident followed the need to gather the exorbitant medical expenses. She made countless trips to the traffic police bureau, never even having time to cry.

To this day, Tang Ruoyao couldn't understand the long string of professional terms the doctor was saying, but she understood one word: vegetative state.

This word, only heard on television, echoed in Tang Ruoyao's ears. She reached out and grabbed the edge of the doctor's desk, stabilizing herself. Her voice, almost broken, could hardly be heard: "What did you say?"

The doctor's expression was filled with pity as he repeated it again.

Tang Ruoyao stood there in a daze.

The doctor wanted to say something to console her, to tell her that nothing is absolute and there is still hope for recovery. But before he could speak, the young girl in front of him suddenly grabbed her bag, unzipped it, and emptied everything inside. She found her wallet, took out a bank card from it, and looked into his eyes with a gaze the doctor was all too familiar with—a gaze of despair and disbelief.

"Doctor, I have money. I still have money." The girl handed him the card, trying to force it into his hand. "Please, I beg you, save my father!"

The doctor raised his palm to stop her, feeling ashamed. "I'm sorry."

Tang Ruoyao knelt down and kowtowed to him repeatedly.

"Please save him—" Tang Ruoyao's tears flowed like rain. "I'm begging you, doctor, please treat him again. I have money! I really have money!"

When family members of patients are at their wit's end, their emotions often break down. Some become angry and vent their anger on the doctors, while others, like Tang Ruoyao, desperately plead with the doctors as a last straw for help. The doctor reached out and helped her up, but in the face of extreme grief, all words of comfort seemed pale and powerless.

This was the capital city, with the most advanced medical resources in all of China. If the doctors here said they couldn't treat the patient, then it truly meant there was no hope.

Jiang Xuezhen later heard the news as well. She pulled at her own hair and ran into the office of the attending physician, crying and causing a scene. Several hospital staff members had to drag her out.

Jiang Xuezhen turned around to look for Tang Ruoyao, but Tang Ruoyao was nowhere to be found.

Tang Ruoyao squatted in a secluded corner of the park, holding her arms and crying out in pain. On the bus after work that afternoon, she kept her head down, tears falling one by one onto her shoes.

She gathered herself in front of the gate before entering the passcode.

Qin Yinong was not there.

She breathed a sigh of relief, went to the kitchen, and made a bowl of noodles for herself. She couldn't handle spicy food well, but she added a lot of chili oil to the noodles, making the soup bright red. The spicy oil stimulated her tear glands, and Tang Ruoyao's face was covered in tears. In the end, she pushed the bowl of noodles away and cried on the dining table.

When Qin Yinong and Guan Han entered the house, all they saw was the young girl huddled over the dining table, crying in a heart-wrenching manner.

Qin Yinong: "..."

Was her "sponsorship" made her so miserable?

Guan Han had a blank expression.

Tang Ruoyao was so immersed in her tears that she didn't even hear the sound of the door opening. Qin Yinong approached her, sat down beside her, and she continued to cry inconsolably. Qin Yinong listened to her heartfelt sobs and felt a hint of envy.

She had never cried like this before.

Qin Yinong reached out and wanted to touch her head, but when she was about to make contact, she pulled her hand back.

Forget it, she was the instigator, doing such things would only appear hypocritical.

Tang Ruoyao, exhausted from crying, lifted her head and prepared to clean up the bowl of noodles.

Unexpectedly, she made eye contact with Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong had a smile on her lips as she looked at this startled little rabbit.

"!!!" Tang Ruoyao almost spilled the soup on her face.

Qin Yinong pulled out a few tissues from the tissue box on the table and handed them to her. Tang Ruoyao took them, feeling awkward, and whispered, "Thank you."

Qin Yinong gently asked her, "Why are you crying?" She glanced at the noodles floating in the red oil.

Sure enough, Tang Ruoyao answered, "The spice made me cry."

Qin Yinong didn't expose her feeble lie and said, "I also want to eat spicy food, but my stomach isn't great, so I usually avoid it."

Tang Ruoyao thought to herself, 'Is she trying to have a conversation with me?'

She didn't realize that her embarrassment had alleviated somewhat and said, "Then eat a little less."

Qin Yinong smiled and lightly hummed in agreement.

With one hand supporting her chin, Qin Yinong looked at her with bright eyes.

Qin Yinong had a pair of captivating peach blossom eyes. The crystal lamp above the dining table cast a shimmering light into her distinct black and white eyes, as if she was gazing earnestly at her lover.

Unconsciously, Tang Ruoyao curled her fingers around the edge of the soup bowl.

She was lost in the woman's affectionate gaze for a few seconds, then abruptly stood up and said, "I'll go wash the dishes."

Qin Yinong didn't move. Her gaze shifted from the dining table to the kitchen, and she furrowed her brows slightly.

She spoke, "Guan Han."

Guan Han stepped forward.

Qin Yinong nodded toward the kitchen and said softly, "Teach her how to use the dishwasher."

Guan Han acknowledged.

Another sound of the door opening came from behind, and this time, Tang Ruoyao heard it. She turned around, and it was the Giant Iceberg! The Giant Iceberg walked towards her, coldly. Tang Ruoyao tightened her grip on the ladle in her hand.

Guan Han spoke concisely, "Watch."

She took out the dishes soaking in the sink and demonstrated the process of operating the dishwasher.

Tang Ruoyao: "???"

The Giant Iceberg was going to wash the dishes for her?

Guan Han asked, "Did you learn it?"

Tang Ruoyao nodded.

Qin Yinong shook her head outside. This Guan Han probably would never understand what it means to cherish and pamper someone.

Guan Han dried her hands and said, "You can use everything in the kitchen. The residential rights of this house now belongs to you."

Tang Ruoyao replied, "I understand."

After completing her task, Guan Han came out, and Qin Yinong clicked her tongue at her.

Guan Han remained composed, focusing on her own thoughts.

With this matter resolved, Qin Yinong sat on the sofa in the living room, reading a book. Tang Ruoyao's territory had shifted to the study, so Qin Yinong included the sofa in her own space.

Qin Yinong knew that Tang Ruoyao was afraid of her, so she would avoid her whenever possible. They would not willingly share the same space unless necessary. Therefore, when Tang Ruoyao suddenly sat down beside her after a long time, Qin Yinong was quite surprised.

She didn't show her surprise, it just flashed through her mind.

Guan Han had already left.

Tang Ruoyao scooted closer and reached out her hand towards Qin Yinong's hand, which was hanging by her side.

The girl's palm was warm and moist, creating a stark contrast to Qin Yinong's cold temperature. The tips of Tang Ruoyao's fingers had a thin callus, and they slowly covered Qin Yinong's hand back.

Qin Yinong remained calm and composed.

'What is she trying to do?'

Tang Ruoyao bit her lip and slowly took Qin Yinong's hand, pressing it against her own face—her eyebrows, the tip of her nose, and finally her pale pink lips. Qin Yinong's fingertips were soft, and she calmly turned a page of the book. Tang Ruoyao felt both shy and embarrassed as she gently bit down on Qin Yinong's finger, enveloping it with warmth. Qin Yinong had a general idea of what she was doing. If she guessed correctly, she was... seducing her.

Qin Yinong couldn't help but find it amusing. How could she be so clumsy with her seduction techniques?

As the pressure on her knuckles became more apparent, Qin Yinong allowed her to seduce her a couple more times before thinking it was enough. She didn't want the young girl's self-esteem to be hurt. She turned her head and looked at the girl's face.

Tang Ruoyao's fair cheeks flushed with an unusual redness, whether from shyness or frustration, even her ears turned red. She fiddled with Qin Yinong's finger, her long eyelashes trembling delicately like cicada wings. The charming expression appeared on that aloof face that was almost pitiful to see.

Something within Qin Yinong seemed to be stirred forcefully.

To her astonishment, Qin Yinong realized that she was genuinely being seduced. The lack of skill was the greatest seduction technique.

Qin Yinong's mouth felt dry, and she couldn't look away.

After a while, the woman looked at the girl's blushing face, her red lips slightly curved, and said, "I haven't washed my hands."

Tang Ruoyao let go of her, making that cute, startled rabbit-like "ah" sound again, like the night she woke up and suddenly found herself sitting at the bedside.

Qin Yinong took a tissue from the coffee table, wiped her fingers with a hint of implication, and said, "They're especially clean now."

Tang Ruoyao wanted to die.

Qin Yinong wanted to laugh.

The young girl was truly interesting.

Tang Ruoyao clumsily made a mess of things, her mouth filled with bitterness, always feeling like she had touched something unclean. She was young after all, feeling both aggrieved and humiliated, but a certain thought in her heart compelled her to stay put.

"I have something I'd like to ask for your help with." Tang Ruoyao mustered all her emotions and focused on this matter, softly asking.

Qin Yinong had already guessed as much.

She looked at the girl in front of her and asked seriously, "If I help you, what will you give me?"

Tang Ruoyao's face paled.

Her whole being belonged to her, letting her do as she pleased. What could she possibly give her? But her father...

Tang Ruoyao gritted her teeth and said, "If you're not averse to it, we can extend the contract period." Since Qin Yinong seemed to dote on her, sleeping over at night, maybe she would agree. But who knows, a wealthy woman like her was probably easily bored - she might not even want the full four years, and end up discarding Tang Ruoyao.

She had no bargaining power.

Qin Yinong playfully lifted Tang Ruoyao's chin and asked, "Extend it by how much?"

Tang Ruoyao breathed a sigh of relief. As long as she was willing to negotiate conditions.

Tang Ruoyao said, "One year."

Qin Yinong sneered.

Tang Ruoyao explained, "It's not a big deal." She tried to maintain her composure. She couldn't panic, absolutely couldn't panic, or else Qin Yinong would definitely raise the price.

Qin Yinong thought to herself, "I don't believe you. If it's not a big deal, why are you willing to sell yourself for another year?"

But she pretended to believe her and pretended to think for a moment before saying, "Tell me more." 

Tang Ruoyao explained her father's situation.

The capital has other hospitals with top experts. Tang Ruoyao couldn't contact them, so she could only hope for help from powerful and influential Qin Yinong.

She tried to suppress her emotions, but Qin Yinong still noticed her slightly red eyes.

It turned out that she was crying like that because of her father.

Qin Yinong thought about it, with a gentle expression, she raised her hand and touched the girl's head.

A hint of joy appeared on Tang Ruoyao's face. She was happy too soon. Qin Yinong looked at her tenderly but spoke somewhat cruelly, "If you ask me for money, I'll give it to you. What you're asking for now is connections, and what I have to give is personal favors. Which one is more difficult? You tell me this isn't a big deal?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "I..."

Qin Yinong tapped her finger on her knee.

She was genuinely struggling, not just teasing Tang Ruoyao. Even if she went the extra mile, she had gone too far. It's just like what she said - contacting experts as soon as possible requires using connections, and that can't be compared to money.

Previously, because she confronted Jiang Shikun, Qin Yinong had to owe her a favor. This was already taking the initiative to cause trouble, something Qin Yinong would never do.

And now this...

Qin Yinong sighed inwardly. If she had known it would be like this, she would have thought it over a hundred times before deciding whether to help her or not.

Impulse is the devil indeed.

The light in Tang Ruoyao's eyes gradually dimmed. She knew that her request was difficult for the other party, so she didn't blame Qin Yinong. Instead, she understandingly said, "I'm sorry."

Qin Yinong asked, "Hmm?"

Tang Ruoyao continued, "I'm sorry. It's just that I don't have anyone else to turn to for help, so..."

She took a deep breath and exhaled, saying, "It's okay if you don't agree. I'm sorry for troubling you."

Qin Yinong looked at her.

Tang Ruoyao's gaze was sincere, without a trace of resentment. She even smiled at Qin Yinong with understanding.

Qin Yinong's heart felt a pang.

She swallowed the words of refusal and said, "I'll consider it."

Tang Ruoyao said, "Thank you." After a pause, she added, "If you want to extend it for another year, it's okay."

Qin Yinong teased her, "Is ten years acceptable?"

Tang Ruoyao shook her head and softly said, "No, it's not." She didn't realize that this statement was inconsistent with her usual submissive attitude. Perhaps it was because the woman in front of her looked at her with such tenderness, making her a bit unruly.

Qin Yinong reached out and ruffled her head again.

"Go take a shower and sleep. I'll give you an answer tomorrow." the woman said in a gentle tone.

Tang Ruoyao nodded, got up, took a few steps out, and then turned back, gratefully saying, "Thank you." Although she had many lovers, at least this woman seemed like a good person.

Qin Yinong could hardly resist anymore.

If Tang Ruoyao thanked her again, she might not be able to resist and agree on the spot.

Tang Ruoyao returned to her room and prepared to take a shower. After untying her hair in front of the mirror, she suddenly paused for no reason. She slowly raised her hand, rubbed her own head, and became lost in thought for a moment, as if savoring something.

'Hmm, it didn't feel as comfortable as when Qin Yinong rubbed it.'

She stepped into the bathroom, where the glass was foggy with steam. The young girl's graceful curves were faintly visible in the mist.

Qin Yinong was deep in thought on the sofa when she suddenly heard a movement. She turned her head and saw Tang Ruoyao, who usually went to sleep after taking a shower. She was wrapped in only a white towel, with steam rising from her body, walking towards her step by step.

The young girl's skin was translucent and beautiful, flushed with a soft pink hue. There was a misty water vapor swirling in her eyes as she looked at Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong was too surprised and, coupled with an unexpected itch on her spine, she completely forgot to react.

Tang Ruoyao approached, placed a hand on her shoulder, and sat in the woman's lap.

Author's Note: 

Tang Ruoyao, who is nineteen years old: You don't have to touch me while I'm asleep. Come now, touch me!

I think we can let loose today, let's all go ahhhh together.

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