CHAPTER 242: Qin & Tang Extra 16

The little one had just finished eating, and the maternity nurse was about to take the baby to sleep when Qin Yinong walked over and made a "shh" gesture, carefully taking the child in her arms.

Squatting down in front of Qin Lunong, Qin Yinong showed her the baby's increasingly fair and rosy smooth face, delicate nose, and slightly pursed little mouth, peacefully asleep.

Qin Lunong looked at her with eyes full of anticipation and fear, slowly reaching out her hand to gently touch the soft top of the baby's head. The baby, not yet a month old, felt soft all over, with a faint scent of milk.

Qin Lunong embraced her, holding this life that was connected to her by blood.

It seemed as if she heard a sharp, bright cry in her ears. Startled, Qin Lunong turned her head away and whispered, "Take her away."

Qin Yinong looked at the baby sleeping peacefully in her arms, her expression shifting for a moment before she took the child back.

Qin Lunong's trembling fingers gradually calmed down.

Qin Yinong nodded to the maternity nurse, who then took the baby out of Qin Lunong's sight.

Qin Yinong bent down, wrapped her arms around Qin Lunong's shoulders, and gently patted her back.

Qin Lunong's condition was somewhat troubling, her inability to care for her own child prevented her from establishing a normal bond with the baby. The little one resisted unfamiliar embraces, crying whenever Qin Lunong held her. The more she cried, the less Qin Lunong dared to hold her, even experiencing auditory hallucinations, falling into a vicious cycle.

They didn't seem like a mother-daughter pair but more like enemies.

At night, the baby no longer slept with her mother but temporarily stayed with her grandmother, waiting for Qin Lunong to feel better before bringing her back.

Qin Lunong reduced her contact with the child, and her emotions stabilized somewhat, though she often found herself lost in thought, liking to sit alone in the yard, staring at the sky and pondering. She had always been independent, and Ji Shulan didn't understand this kind of illness. Many older people believed that depression was a result of idleness and overthinking. Ji Shulan understood it a little better, but only to a certain extent. She thought it was like catching a cold—take some medicine and it would get better in a week or two.

Qin Yinong urged her to care for Qin Lunong, but Ji Shulan didn't know exactly how to provide that care. She believed she had always cared for her and could only show more concern than before, coming out to check on her every now and then, offering comfort and support.

Qin Lunong smiled and said, "I'm fine, go take care of the baby."

Ji Shulan sighed and turned back, looking over her shoulder three times.

The smile that had just lifted Qin Lunong's face suddenly vanished, and she stared blankly into the distance.

Qin Lunong was far more mature than her peers. When at home, the nominal head of the family, Qin Hongjian, drank himself into oblivion every day. At her young age, Ji Shulan treated her like an adult, always seeking her opinion on matters. Family members would choose to confide their troubles in her, she was steady and reliable, as if she could handle anything.

But they forgot that even the strongest person is still just a human being, capable of suffering, sadness, and fear. Wasn't she afraid when she moved north alone at fifteen to attend university? Her class was filled with top students from across the country, and her genius aura seemed to dim in an instant. She had no peers, everyone around her was several years older. From her hometown to a foreign land, studying and working, she never complained about her struggles to her family.

Was it that she didn't want to? Or that she couldn't? She was Ji Shulan's proud and excellent daughter, Qin Yinong's unconditionally trusted sister, the soul that held this family together.

Year after year, Qin Lunong gradually got used to this life and enjoyed the feeling of being needed by her family, finding solace in it. Until the unexpected happened, and she returned home in despair. Qin Yinong was unwilling to accept this ordinary version of herself. While Qin Lunong comforted her, she was also comforting herself.

The reason she worked so hard from childhood to adulthood was that she was unwilling to be ordinary.

How could it be so easy to find peace?

Sometimes, when she looked at herself in the mirror, she felt that such an ugly person shouldn't be her. She hid her emotions well. Whether playing the role of a genius or an ordinary person, Qin Yinong unconditionally believed in her, trusting everything she said.

Silly girl.

Tears fell from her eyes, and Qin Lunong raised her hand to wipe them away.

Depression intensified Qin Lunong's negative emotions, causing the issues she had suppressed—ones that could have gradually dissolved—to explode in multiples. Every night, when the world was quiet, the dark room seemed to open a gaping abyss, slowly swallowing her.

Ji Shulan and Qin Yinong, due to their long-standing trust in her, maintained an optimistic attitude. No one knew about the scars on her arms hidden beneath thick winter clothing.

......

Tang Ruoyao handed a notebook to Qin Yinong, who opened it, glanced inside, and smiled approvingly, saying, "Well done."

Tang Ruoyao smiled shyly, pressing her lips together.

Qin Yinong looked at her and smiled back. She patted the empty spot on the couch beside her and said, "Come."

Tang Ruoyao sat down beside her.

The two sat with a little distance between their shoulders, neither of them making a move to close the gap. In the past, when they were both naive, one would tease recklessly while the other clumsily flirted. Now that they understood their feelings, they had grown more reserved.

Qin Yinong stared ahead and, searching for something to say, asked, "There's a new script. Do you want to act in it?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "What kind of script is it?"

Qin Yinong replied, "It's in my email. I'll send it to you later for you to take a look."

"Okay." Tang Ruoyao responded.

She agreed, and then what was she going to say next?

Qin, the unprecedented queen of the screen, found herself in an awkward silence.

Tang Ruoyao took the initiative and asked, "Did you invest in it?"

Qin Yinong replied, "No, I just know about the project. It's set to start filming around the summer, so you can take the opportunity to act without delaying your studies."

Tang Ruoyao said again, "Okay."

Qin Yinong almost wanted to grab her shoulders and shake her vigorously, exclaiming, "Okay, okay, you always say 'okay', okay my foot!"

After finishing her sentence, Tang Ruoyao wanted nothing more than to bite her own tongue.

Had there ever been a conversation like this?

A few seconds of silence.

"You—"

"You—"

They both spoke at the same time, turning to look at each other and smiling. "You go first."

Tang Ruoyao smiled slightly and said, "Sister should go first."

Qin Yinong cleared her throat and said, "What I wanted to say is, you asked me if I was free this Saturday, and I am free this week."

A hint of barely noticeable surprise flashed in Tang Ruoyao's eyes, and she feigned calmness as she replied, "I was actually going to bring that up too."

"Then what do you..." Qin Yinong looked at her and slowly asked, "want to do?"

Suddenly, an absurd thought popped into Tang Ruoyao's mind.

'I want to roll in bed with you at home.'

She quickly shook off the chaotic thoughts and asked, "Can you go out?" She hadn't forgotten that Qin Yinong was a big star.

"I can't." Seeing the disappointment in the young girl's eyes, Qin Yinong quickly added, "But you can tell me where you want to go. There are still some places we can go."

Couples on dates typically just eat, shop, or watch movies.

For Tang Ruoyao, a girl who had never unlocked any skills in that area for nineteen years, those were the only three options she could think of. The last two were ruled out because Qin Yinong's celebrity status would attract attention.

Tang Ruoyao said,"I want to take you out for dinner."

Qin Yinong mischievously teased her, "Can't we have dinner at home?"

Tang Ruoyao shook her head and softly replied, "We can't."

The last time she spoke in that tone was a long time ago. Qin Yinong felt a surge of excitement and reached out to ruffle the little rabbit's hair.

The little rabbit let her mess up her long hair, and when Qin Yinong withdrew her hand, she looked at her with gentle, doe-like eyes and asked, "Is that okay?"

Qin Yinong smiled and said, "Sure."

Tang Ruoyao was overjoyed and maintained a composed demeanor as she said, "Then I'll go back to my room to study."

Qin Yinong chuckled, "Go ahead."

Tang Ruoyao stood up, turning her back to her as she walked toward the master bedroom, her lips spreading into a big smile.

Qin Yinong had agreed to have dinner with her.

Tang Ruoyao's movie paycheck had arrived, with over a million after tax deductions. This was money she earned herself, not something Qin Yinong had given her. However, since that initial five hundred thousand, the monthly salary promised in the contract had not been paid. Was it because Qin Yinong had not slept with her yet?

Tang Ruoyao brushed aside this thought, not wanting to dwell on it further. She wanted to pursue Qin Yinong in a straightforward manner.

She opened her laptop and started searching for restaurants—preferably upscale, not too crowded, and ideally near a lake, bridge, or park, somewhere they could take a walk after eating. She wondered if Qin Yinong would be willing to take a walk with her after dinner—she would bring it up when the time came.

Her first date—yay!

Tang Ruoyao rubbed her hands together in excitement.

Qin Yinong, as usual, came in to check on the room, looking slightly surprised.

Sitting at the head of the bed, Tang Ruoyao also seemed taken aback. Was it already midnight?

Standing at the door, Qin Yinong asked gently, "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Tang Ruoyao pushed down the laptop screen a bit and replied, "I have some work to finish, not done yet."

"Well then, carry on." Qin Yinong smiled and reached for the door.

"Wait a moment," Tang Ruoyao blurted out.

"Hmm?" Qin Yinong tilted her head slightly, indicating her curiosity.

"Goodnight." Tang Ruoyao said earnestly, looking at her.

"Goodnight." Qin Yinong replied softly, her eyes crinkling into a smile.

Tang Ruoyao bit her lip, as if making a decision. Suddenly, she threw the covers off, jumped out of bed, and ran over barefoot to hug her. The girl's fragrant scent enveloped Qin Yinong, stirring her heart.

Tang Ruoyao wrapped her arms around the woman's slender waist, resting her cheek on her shoulder. Qin Yinong slowly raised her hand and gently placed it on the girl's thin back.

Since it was bedtime, they were only wearing light clothing, and their body heat flowed continuously through the fabric.

Tang Ruoyao's warm cheek brushed against the coolness of Qin Yinong's neck, only to pull away instantly.

"Goodnight, sister." she said, retracting her hands and stepping back.

"Goodnight." Qin Yinong replied, a beat slower.

Qin Yinong left, walking back to her room in the same gentle manner.

She lay on her bed in her room, recalling the earlier hug, feeling an impulse to scream. In the end, she didn't shout, she just turned over and buried her face in the pillow, letting all the overflowing, surging, uncontrollable joy be heard by the pillow.

Tang Ruoyao's school had a break on Thursday afternoons.

On Wednesday night, after watching a movie and writing her reflections, Tang Ruoyao lifted her head from her notebook. Her roommates were preparing to wash up, bustling around.

Tang Ruoyao adjusted her breathing and casually asked, "I want to go shopping for clothes tomorrow afternoon. Who wants to go with me?"

Wen Shuxian, while applying a face mask, turned her darkened face toward her and eagerly said, "I'll go!"

Wen Shuxian, worried that she might change careers after graduation, had a stroke of good luck. While Tang Ruoyao was filming, Wen Shuxian auditioned for a television drama. In the hallway, she met a bespectacled woman who seemed to be waiting for someone. The woman noticed her and struck up a conversation out of curiosity. Wen Shuxian was naturally sociable, as long as others didn't have bad intentions, she could chat with anyone, regardless of their age or gender. This was merely an insignificant encounter, and Wen Shuxian's only impression was that the woman was waiting for a star who was also auditioning, though they were not auditioning for the same role.

Not long after, Wen Shuxian received a call from an unknown number, feeling confused. It took the caller two hints for her to remember who it was.

She felt like she had struck gold.

An agent from Huanyu Entertainment wanted to sign her.

After hanging up, Wen Shuxian nodded and said, "It must be a scammer."

As soon as she said that, she opened her computer and searched for the agent's name online. There was nothing on the encyclopedia, but related articles mentioned that the agent had once worked with a hugely popular artist.

Wen Shuxian bit her left fingernail and pondered, "What if it's not a scam?" She turned to her roommates and asked, "Is there anything about me worth being scammed for?"

Cui Jiaran said, "Nothing."

Fu Yujun added, "If they ask to meet you, I'll go with you."

Cui Jiaran chimed in, "I'll go too."

Touched by their loyalty, Wen Shuxian teared up, saying, "For such a great kindness, I'll be a cow or a horse in my next life, returning the favor by tying grass to my mouth."

Cui Jiaran joked, "We're just worried that if we don't go with you and you get scammed, you'll blame and poison us."

Fu Yujun clasped her fists and said, "Thank you for sparing our lives."

Wen Shuxian huffed in response.

All three of them went. Fu Yujun and Cui Jiaran quietly observed from the neighboring booth.

The person was indeed not a scammer. Half a month later, Wen Shuxian successfully signed with the leading domestic film and television company, Huanyu Entertainment. Soon after, she received a script for a youth campus film and was set to start filming next month.

Now she was an artist with a management contract. As the saying goes, people rely on their clothes just as horses rely on their saddles. Wen Shuxian urgently needed a new wardrobe to equip herself and to infuriate that annoying Huo Yuke, who always looked down on her.

So, she was the first to respond eagerly.

Tang Ruoyao breathed a sigh of relief, now no one would question why she suddenly wanted to go shopping.

However, Wen Shuxian's taste wasn't as good as Fu Yujun's. Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips and said to Fu Yujun, who had just come out of the bathroom, "Xiaowen and I are planning to go shopping at the mall tomorrow. Do you want to join us and buy anything?"

Fu Yujun, drying her hair with a towel, agreed without hesitation, "Sure."

Cui Jiaran had plans to meet her boyfriend, so she shyly said, "I won't go this time. Next time, if you give me a few days' notice, I'll definitely come with you."

Wen Shuxian exclaimed, "Choosing love over friendship!"

Tang Ruoyao, who had unknowingly called all her friends out for a date, felt embarrassed and silently wiped her face, pretending to be engrossed in studying.

After Thursday morning classes ended, Tang Ruoyao set out with her two roommates. They went to the mall for lunch, ordering grilled fish. Tang Ruoyao insisted on paying the bill, but Wen Shuxian suggested splitting it evenly. Tang Ruoyao insisted, while Wen Shuxian wouldn't back down, and neither of them yielded.

Fu Yujun stepped in to mediate, saying, "Tangtang has received a payment for her film, so she has more money than us."

She glanced at Tang Ruoyao.

Tang Ruoyao felt a little guilty for no apparent reason and said, "Yes."

Wen Shuxian added, "I will also get my paycheck soon."

Fu Yujun responded, "Let's talk about it after you get paid. You'll owe us a big meal."

Only then did Wen Shuxian relent.

Tang Ruoyao got up to settle the bill at the front desk.

Fu Yujun watched her back, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She turned her eyes away to look at the pedestrians moving outside the glass window.

Wen Shuxian chattered like a butterfly, flitting among the clothing racks, trying on one outfit after another. She lifted the hem of a dress and twirled in front of Fu Yujun, asking, "How does this look?"

The salesperson praised her extravagantly, making her feel like she was the best in the world. Wen Shuxian beamed and then turned to look at Fu Yujun. Though Fu Yujun didn't come from the wealthiest family in their dorm, she had the best fashion sense among them.

Fu Yujun bluntly commented, "It makes you look fat."

Wen Shuxian clutched her heart dramatically.

The salesperson: "..."

Fu Yujun raised her chin and said with a smile, "Alright, be a good girl and go change."

Wen Shuxian's expression fell, "Okay then."

Fu Yujun's gaze fell on the dressing room door, which had been tightly shut for a while. Suddenly, the door opened a crack, revealing a pair of roughly five-centimeter high heels. As the view lifted, it showed a pair of fair, well-proportioned calves, and the skirt, like gossamer, swayed lightly as she walked.

A young woman in a white long dress, with delicate features like a painting, elegantly stepped out.

Tang Ruoyao held her hands into loose fists at her sides, too nervous to look up.

Why is it so quiet?

Is it because it doesn't look good?

The room fell silent for a moment until Tang Ruoyao heard a familiar voice, "Oh my, where did this fairy come from? She looks so familiar!"

Wen Shuxian approached, cupping Tang Ruoyao's face in her hands, and playfully said, "Hello, fairy."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but chuckle.

The salesperson was also brought back to attention by Wen Shuxian's words.

Clearing her throat, the salesperson, thinking to herself, "My goodness, this looks even better than on a model," stepped forward and said, "This..."

Another voice interrupted her, "It looks good."

Fu Yujun walked over, smiling as she said, "I was completely mesmerized."

Tang Ruoyao shyly lowered her gaze.

After a moment, she lifted her eyes and asked her two roommates for confirmation, "Is it really pretty?"

"It's beautiful!" they replied in unison.

Tang Ruoyao said, "Then I'll take this one." If she tried on any more, she might get too shy and want to disappear into the ground.

Once back at school, Tang Ruoyao immediately hung the long dress in her closet, carefully smoothing out every tiny wrinkle. She also placed her newly bought shoes in the shoebox, arranging them neatly.

She sneaked out to make a phone call, and Guan Han said again that Qin Yinong wasn't available, emphasizing, "She really isn't here, Qin Jie has been home at night lately."

Tang Ruoyao felt a slight disappointment but couldn't help the sweetness blooming in her heart.

Qin Yinong must have specifically told Guan Han this, fearing she would misunderstand.

They had known each other for so long, yet she didn't have Qin Yinong's direct contact information. Tang Ruoyao clenched her fist, determined to get Qin Yinong's phone number for their date on Saturday night.

Tang Ruoyao said, "Could you please pass on the message that I've reserved the restaurant? I'll send the time and address to your phone shortly."

Guan Han replied, "Okay."

'Restaurant, restaurant...'

'Had these two already started a candlelight dinner? Why was it Tang Ruoyao making the reservation instead of Sister Qin? Could it be that Qin Jie—'

Guan Han shook her head, unwilling to entertain such thoughts.

She replied in a neutral tone, "Okay, I'll pass on the message."

Tang Ruoyao bit her lip and added, "Also, tell her that if it's convenient, she can give me a call when she's free tomorrow." 'I miss her a bit.'

Guan Han said, "Understood. Is there anything else?"

Tang Ruoyao unconsciously pouted, "No, that's all."

Another day passed without hearing Qin Yinong's voice.

Tang Ruoyao felt disheartened, but after a moment, she encouraged herself—only two days left until they could meet.

With renewed spirit, Tang Ruoyao headed back to the dorm.

Huo Yuke was waiting along the way, ready to throw some taunts. As soon as she opened her mouth to say something, Tang Ruoyao quickened her pace and dashed past like a gust of wind.

Huo Yuke curled her lips into a smirk.

'Finally realizing she should be afraid of me, huh?'

Huo Yuke closed the dormitory door.

It wasn't until Tang Ruoyao climbed onto her bed that she remembered hearing someone speak to her earlier, but she brushed it off and logged into her alternate Weibo account.

[My Daily Life with Miss Q.]

[Countdown to my first date with Miss Q: two days.]

"Cough,"

Qin Yinong sat in the back seat of the van, one hand pressed against her forehead, laughing for the fifth time, quickly covering it up with a cough. But nothing escaped Guan Han's keen eyes. She pulled out a freshly printed A4 sheet from her bag and said, "This is the schedule for this afternoon's activities."

Guan Han was well-versed in these matters. Qin Yinong glanced at it, then tossed it aside, asking, "What did she say to you on the phone last night?"

For the fourth time, Guan Han faithfully recounted the conversation.

Qin Yinong furrowed her brows slightly. "You..."

Guan Han lifted her gaze and bluntly stated, "Qin Jie, this is just how I talk." 'I can't be as cute as Miss Tang.'

Qin Yinong burst into laughter.

She asked, "Did I say something?"

Guan Han replied, "Your eyes said it all."

Qin Yinong attempted to maintain a serious expression but laughed again.

She waved her hand, "Forget it, I'll let you off this time."

Guan Han asked, "Why don't you just give her your phone number?"

Qin Yinong's smile faltered slightly.

'Yeah, why not?'

Qin Yinong had two phone numbers: one for work and one personal number, known only to a select few. She hadn't given either to Tang Ruoyao, fearing that she might disturb her at any moment or that once they had established contact, she would be unable to resist checking in, thinking about, and longing to hear her voice.

Qin Yinong pressed her tongue against the roof of her mouth and glanced at Guan Han with an unreadable expression. "You talk too much."

Guan Han fell silent, her ability to remain mute reaching new heights.

Qin Yinong reviewed the schedule for the commercial event again, returned to the company, and discussed the studio's development focus with An Ling.

She arrived at the event venue on time in the afternoon.

"Qin Jie," Guan Han said, noticing the hand Qin Yinong pressed against her chest, "Are you feeling unwell?"

"No," Qin Yinong replied, lowering her hand, her brows slightly furrowed.

She just felt a sudden unease, her heart beating rapidly, as if something bad was about to happen.

The camera flashes from the media friends erupted in a flurry.

Qin Yinong, in a floor-length red dress, with a subtle charming smile on her lips, gracefully walked on the red carpet.

Suddenly, she stopped.

The media on-site murmured softly, whispering to each other.

"Why did she stop?"

Qin Yinong was lost in thought, the surrounding sounds felt both near and far, fast and slow.

Tick-tock.

Tick-tock.

Tick-tock.

"Queen Qin."

Qin Yinong lifted her gaze, realizing she was still on the red carpet. She had inexplicably zoned out on the red carpet, something that would have been impossible for her in the past. She quickly composed herself, suppressing the inexplicable palpitations, and walked straight ahead with a determined look.

The host welcomed her on stage and handed her the prepared microphone.

Qin Yinong took the mic, but she lowered her head, staring blankly at her hands.

The microphone fell to the ground, producing a sharp, jarring sound.

Bending down, Qin Yinong picked up the microphone, saying, "Sorry."

The host intervened smoothly and moved the event forward.

The event progressed smoothly, except for one instance where Qin Yinong didn't hear the host's question clearly and another where she forgot to respond. Otherwise, everything went as planned.

Once the car door closed, Guan Han asked, "Where to?"

Qin Yinong had postponed many recent engagements and had the evenings mostly free. She either stayed at home or went to Tang Ruoyao's place, so she answered without hesitation, "Home."

The driver steered the car towards Qin's residence.

Qin Yinong opened her previously closed eyes and told the driver, "Go faster."

Guan Han glanced at Qin Yinong and noticed she seemed a bit anxious.

"Faster."

"Faster!"

Qin Yinong kept urging, and the black sedan sped along, stopping at the gate of the Qin residence.

Without waiting for the car to come to a complete stop, Qin Yinong leaped out, lifting her skirt as she dashed into the house.

A loud cry pierced her eardrums as she stepped in.

Ji Shulan was pacing in the living room, holding the baby and cooing, "Oh, oh, oh," her expression anxious. As soon as she saw Qin Yinong enter, it was as if she had found a savior. She hurriedly said, "You're back! The baby has been crying all afternoon for some reason, and no matter how I try to soothe him, it doesn't work. Come take a look."

Qin Yinong seemed not to hear her words and directly asked, "Where's my sister?"

Ji Shulan replied, "She's sleeping in her room."

Qin Yinong's eyelids twitched suddenly. "She hasn't gotten up all this time?"

"No."

"Can you see how the baby is..."

Qin Yinong stepped past the elderly person and a child, striding towards Qin Lunong's room. She knocked on the door with her fingers and pressed her ear against it, saying, "Sister, are you awake?"

There was no response.

Qin Yinong turned the doorknob of the bedroom.

Inside, there was no one to be found, and the rush of wind that followed her in became eerily silent.

Qin Yinong took a step inside, walking and softly calling out, "Sister, are you here?"

As she walked deeper into the room, she turned her head and noticed the light coming from the wooden-framed glass window of the bathroom.

"Are you taking a shower?" However, Qin Yinong didn't hear any water running, all that answered her was silence.

She called out a couple more times and grasped the cold metal handle of the bathroom door.

"I'm coming in."

Slowly, she pushed the door open inch by inch.

What she saw before her caused Qin Yinong's heart to almost stop.

Her knees weakened, and she fell to the ground with a thud, then crawled on all fours towards the edge of the bathtub, tears streaming uncontrollably from her eyes.

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