CHAPTER 246: Qin & Tang Extra 20

The girl's voice was soft and sweet, with a trembling, almost unbearable undertone, more alluring than Qin Yinong had imagined.

Qin Yinong could no longer smile.

Her feet seemed rooted to the ground, unable to move forward or retreat, forcing her to witness the entire scene. She pulled the disheveled blanket back over Tang Ruoyao and retreated on unsteady feet.

Tang Ruoyao's cheeks were flushed pink as she lay on her side, her head resting comfortably on the pillow, breathing deeply in peaceful slumber.

Qin Yinong took another shower.

The sound that had once escaped Tang Ruoyao's lips now echoed softly in the bathroom, filled with restraint.

The first rays of morning sunlight fell on Tang Ruoyao's face. She turned her head to the side and stretched out on the bed with a big yawn. She opened her eyes and stared at the ceiling for a while, the events of last night's dream resurfacing in her mind. Suddenly, she felt a wave of heat rising from under the covers, flooding her ears and cheeks.

Tang Ruoyao shifted her legs uncomfortably, carefully got out of bed, and walked into the bathroom with an awkward step.

The warm shower washed away the lingering cool stickiness. Tang Ruoyao tilted her slender neck back, applying body wash as she reminisced about the alluring dream. Unfortunately, she couldn't remember it clearly, and by the time she stepped out, the details had faded, leaving only the impression that it had been a... dream.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Since she didn't have to go to school today, Tang Ruoyao changed into a light gray robe from the closet, turned her neck left and right, and opened the bedroom door.

Qin Yinong wasn't there.

Tang Ruoyao walked to the entrance and noticed her slippers were missing. She glanced toward the guest room—was she still asleep?

Tang Ruoyao grabbed a book from the study and sat on the couch to read, determined to see Qin Yinong as soon as she woke up.

Qin Yinong had slept in late, exhausted from the previous night's activities. Perhaps because her thoughts before bed had been less than pure, the usual haunting nightmares had been replaced by a mix of innocence and shyness, like a little rabbit.

"Little brat..." Qin Yinong murmured, a smile tugging at her lips as she turned over, reaching out an arm only to grasp at empty air.

She drowsily opened her eyes, slowly waking up over the next few minutes.

It was just a dream.

She sighed, feeling a pang of nostalgia for the warmth in the dream.

"Good morning!" As soon as Qin Yinong opened the door, Tang Ruoyao's cheerful voice greeted her before she could even see clearly.

Qin Yinong's gaze settled on Tang Ruoyao sitting on the couch, her heart softening. She beckoned, "Come here."

Tang Ruoyao stood up and hurried over to her.

Qin Yinong naturally ruffled her hair, her eyes curving into a smile.

If she weren't a person but a pet, it wouldn't be so bad to keep her at home.

'Not a person?'

Qin Yinong couldn't help but laugh at her own absurd thought, her lips curling into a wide, silent smile.

Tang Ruoyao looked up at her, unconsciously smiling along.

Qin Yinong asked with a grin, "What are you smiling about?"

Tang Ruoyao boldly countered, "What are you smiling about, sister?"

Qin Yinong admitted, "I'm smiling at you."

Tang Ruoyao paused, then whispered, "Then I'm smiling at myself too."

Qin Yinong couldn't help but chuckle and ruffled Tang Ruoyao's hair again. She was slightly taller than Tang Ruoyao, and her loose robe collar inevitably drew her gaze downward, revealing a vast expanse of delicate, snow-like skin.

Not very old, but quite well-developed, Qin Yinong thought to herself with a click of her tongue.

Tang Ruoyao followed her gaze and realized where she was looking, her face instantly flushing red. But she didn't reach up to adjust her collar. Instead, she endured the shyness and let Qin Yinong continue her scrutiny.

Their eyes met inadvertently, and Qin Yinong coughed lightly. Even though there was nothing to it, the way they looked at each other made it seem like there was. Feeling awkward, she changed the subject, "Have you had breakfast yet?"

Tang Ruoyao was taken aback.

That was supposed to be her question.

She shook her head, then quickly added, "I'll make it now. What would you like?"

Qin Yinong made a sound of acknowledgment and stopped her in her tracks.

"I'll make it." Qin Yinong said.

Tang Ruoyao: "Huh?"

Qin Yinong was decisive and quick to act. While Tang Ruoyao was still in a daze, she had already retrieved the necessary ingredients from the fridge and was striding toward the kitchen.

Tang Ruoyao hurried after her, "Let me do it."

Qin Yinong didn't budge from her spot. Tang Ruoyao flustered around for a bit before suggesting, "Can I at least help?" She glanced at the ingredients by Qin Yinong's side and asked, "Are you planning to make zhajiangmian?"

Qin Yinong hummed in affirmation.

Tang Ruoyao volunteered to wash the cucumber under the water, all the while thinking incredulously: She can cook? How does she know how to cook? If it doesn't taste good later, I'll have to say it's delicious and not show any sign of disappointment.

After washing and slicing the cucumber into strips, Tang Ruoyao offered to help further, but Qin Yinong refused, citing that her knife skills weren't good enough and would ruin the presentation.

This was the first meal she was making for Tang Ruoyao, and she couldn't let her mess it up.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Qin Yinong held the kitchen knife in one hand and pressed the cucumber with the other. Under Tang Ruoyao's gaze, she suddenly felt nervous. Drawing on the focus she used in acting, she tried to block out external distractions. The steady thud of the knife on the cutting board filled the air as she sliced the cucumber into uniform strips, quick and precise.

Qin Yinong subtly let out a sigh of relief.

Tang Ruoyao exclaimed, "A movie queen who doesn't aspire to be a chef isn't a good movie queen."

Qin Yinong couldn't help but smile.

Tang Ruoyao took the opportunity to move closer and asked, "How did you learn to cook so well?"

Qin Yinong replied with a straight face, "I originally wanted to be a chef."

Tang Ruoyao believed her and gasped in surprise, "Really?"

Qin Yinong looked at her—those big, innocent eyes were truly adorable. She pursed her lips and smiled, "Just kidding."

Tang Ruoyao pretended to be angry, "You tricked me." Without thinking, she reached out and pinched Qin Yinong's cheek. Qin Yinong's skin was smooth and firm, well-maintained. Tang Ruoyao's heart raced as her slightly calloused fingertips unconsciously caressed Qin Yinong's face, her gaze lingering.

Qin Yinong lowered her eyelids, hiding her shyness.

If Tang Ruoyao decided to do something more at this moment, Qin Yinong likely wouldn't have the strength to stop her.

Tang Ruoyao's fingers trailed from Qin Yinong's cheek to her jaw. Qin Yinong's thick hair was usually tucked behind her ears, but as she slightly lowered her head, a strand fell loose. Tang Ruoyao hooked it with her finger but didn't tuck it back. Instead, she slowly twirled it around her fingertip.

The cool, smooth strands of hair intertwined with warm fingers, creating a stark contrast of black and white, more int!mate than touching her face.

Tang Ruoyao looked at her.

The kitchen was filled with white steam. Qin Yinong gently retrieved her long hair from the girl's hand and softly said, "The water in the pot is boiling."

"Mm," Tang Ruoyao stepped aside.

Qin Yinong didn't dare let her stay any longer, fearing she would distract her. With a few words, she sent Tang Ruoyao away. Standing quietly in front of the stove, a strand of hair still hanging down, Qin Yinong reached out to grasp it, then quickly let go as if burned by fire.

Twenty minutes later, Qin Yinong brought out two bowls of noodles.

Tang Ruoyao sat upright at the table, complimenting, "It smells amazing." After taking the first bite, her eyes widened. Could it be that Qin Yinong had once wanted to become a chef?

Compared to this, the noodles she had made last time could only be called pig slop.

She felt guilty, making Qin Yinong eat such poor food, and even worse, second-rate pig slop.

Tang Ruoyao's emotions were complicated.

Qin Yinong, distracted, forced a smile.

Qin Yinong ate slowly and meticulously. Tang Ruoyao, watching her, slowed her pace and put down her chopsticks at the same time. Qin Yinong stood up and said, "You clean up."

Tang Ruoyao was more than willing, quickly taking the bowls and chopsticks to the kitchen, afraid Qin Yinong might change her mind.

Qin Yinong went back to her room to change clothes.

At that moment, the doorbell rang.

Tang Ruoyao put down the dishcloth and hurried over.

"She's changing. Please wait a moment." Tang Ruoyao led Guan Han to the sofa and poured her a glass of water.

Guan Han held the cup, feeling a bit awkward. It wasn't her first time here, but suddenly she felt like she was being treated as a guest by the lady of the house.

Tang Ruoyao indeed had that intention, her expression cheerful.

Qin Yinong emerged wearing a dark-colored long dress. Guan Han stood up and said, "Qin Jie."

Qin Yinong nodded.

As they headed towards the door, Tang Ruoyao stopped Qin Yinong—not exactly stopped, but kept looking at her, clearly wanting to say something. Qin Yinong paused and gently asked, "What is it?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "Um... are you coming over tonight?"

Qin Yinong suddenly remembered last night's events and thought with amusement: 'Come over to watch you dream again?'

She shook her head.

The disappointment in Tang Ruoyao's eyes flashed by, but she quickly regained her spirits and said, "Then get some rest early."

'Wasn't that a bit too early to say?'

But Qin Yinong's lips curved into a smile as she replied, "Okay."

"Is there anything else?"

"...No."

Qin Yinong walked out.

"Um..."

Qin Yinong turned back, her gaze gentle.

Tang Ruoyao sighed, "Nothing."

The door closed, and Tang Ruoyao kept hitting her forehead with her fist.

Wasn't it just asking for a phone number? Why couldn't she say it? Why couldn't she say it!

Qin Yinong finished a commercial shoot and returned home in the evening.

The sky was ablaze with red clouds, and the Qin residence was perfectly situated to catch the most brilliant part of the sunset. Qin Lunong, sitting on a small stool at the door with Ningning in her arms, waved at the black car driving in.

The weather was gradually warming up, and Qin Lunong occasionally brought the child out to sit in the yard.

This was the most comfortable time of the day, and eight out of ten times, she would be in the yard watching the sunset.

As Qin Yinong walked over, she heard her reciting poetry, her voice flowing like a gentle stream: "...The wind gathers, the clouds disperse, the waves suddenly calm, turning the blue sky into the lake's bottom. At first glance, the setting sun sinks into the red waves, the pale moon about to rise as the sky composes itself..."

Qin Yinong clicked her tongue, "Does she even understand it?"

Qin Lunong clicked her tongue in response.

Qin Yinong added, "This is about the moon, right?"

Qin Lunong was immediately shocked, "You actually understand it?"

Qin Yinong bristled, "I'm not an idiot! 'Pale moon, pale moon'—it's the moon!"

Qin Lunong sighed with a smile, "Is this really my once clueless little sister?"

Qin Yinong squatted in front of her, displeased, "I wasn't clueless! I used to study very hard, it's just..."

"Just that your IQ is limited." Qin Lunong calmly added.

"Qin Lunong!"

"I know my name is nice, no need to keep saying it, I'll get shy."

Qin Yinong glared.

But as she glared, she couldn't help but laugh.

She squatted in front of Qin Lunong like a little dog, wagging her tail happily.

Her sister was really better now.

Qin Lunong rubbed the little dog's head and said, "My arms are tired, hold her for a bit."

Qin Yinong responded, taking the baby into her arms.

"Call me Auntie."

"She doesn't even know how to call 'Mom' yet."

"Maybe she'll learn to call me first."

"Hahaha."

After Guan Han got out of the car, she stood like a wooden post to the side, holding Qin Yinong's script, waiting for her to finish chatting before handing it over. Qin Lunong suddenly turned her gaze and said, "Assistant Guan, right?"

Guan Han acknowledged.

Qin Lunong: "Thank you for taking care of my sister."

Guan Han: "It's my duty."

Qin Lunong: "If you don't mind, stay for dinner?"

Guan Han looked at Qin Yinong, who nodded.

Guan Han: "Then I won't decline."

After seeing Guan Han off in the evening, Qin Lunong said, "Your assistant is very capable."

Qin Yinong was warming up on the treadmill in the gym, saying, "Why else would I hire her?"

Qin Lunong smiled, "I'm just feeling a bit sentimental."

Qin Yinong knew what she was sentimental about and couldn't help but feel a bit proud, "Do you think I've become so impressive that you can hardly recognize me? Even my assistant is so well-chosen."

"Yes," Qin Lunong smiled, then added, "But..."

"But what?"

"I've always thought you were impressive."

"Really? When you were teaching me homework as a kid and I couldn't get it after several tries, you didn't hesitate to call me stup!d."

Qin Lunong laughed heartily, "That's a different matter."

Qin Yinong scoffed, increasing the speed and starting to jog, her breath still steady, "You've always liked to fool me, do you think I'd believe you now?"

Qin Lunong shrugged with a smile, "Don't believe me then."

She started another treadmill, walking on it.

Soon she was out of breath.

Qin Yinong laughed heartily, mercilessly mocking, "You're not up to it."

Qin Lunong boasted shamelessly, "Back in the day, your sister was a fitness guru."

"Look me in the eyes and say that again."

"I won't."

"You weakling."

"Who are you calling a weakling?"

"You, hahaha."

From afar, Ji Shulan could hear the laughter from the gym, and the baby in the swaddle seemed to sense it too, letting out a giggle.

Qin Lunong couldn't keep up, and Qin Yinong had already moved to the equipment area.

"How's it going with that kid?" Qin Lunong asked.

Qin Yinong finished a set of pull-ups, her face unusually flushed. She exhaled and replied, "We had breakfast together this morning."

"Did you cook?"

"How did you know?" Qin Yinong blurted out.

"There's an old saying: to win someone's heart, first win their stomach."

"What kind of old saying is that?" Qin Yinong scoffed, but she turned her face away.

Qin Lunong saw through it but didn't press further, cutting straight to the point: "Do you think she's too young, that she might easily fall for someone else in the future, and that's why you don't want to be with her?"

Qin Yinong didn't respond and went to do some bench presses.

"You don't want to let go, so you're stuck in this stalemate."

"You want her to like you more, to the point where she can't leave you, and then you'll bring her into your world."

"Or maybe you want her to make you believe that she'll only love you for the rest of her life, that she'll never fall for someone else."

Qin Lunong's words kept coming, each one hitting Qin Yinong's heart. She stopped the bench press and lay quietly, saying, "Am I wrong for feeling this way?"

"You're not wrong." Qin Lunong thought to herself. 'The fault lies with me and Mom, for not setting a good example.'

"I don't want to be like this either." Qin Yinong closed her eyes, her lashes slightly damp.

She wasn't really that old, just twenty-seven, still at an age where she could be reckless. Didn't she want to love and hate boldly like others? Didn't she want to seize what she loved and make the most of her time? But she couldn't.

That's just the kind of person she was. Twenty-seven years of life had shaped her into this character, and she couldn't change it.

Qin Lunong abruptly changed the subject: "I'm going to work."

Qin Yinong immediately sat up, all thoughts of romance pushed to the back of her mind.

"Domestic or abroad? Which institution?"

"My alma mater. It's settled. I'll be a professor in the biology department."

Qin Lunong had previously worked at a world-leading biological research institute for several years. Her scientific achievements and papers published in core journals could blind anyone with their brilliance. Wherever she went, she was a highly sought-after talent. So Qin Yinong wasn't surprised. In fact, Qin Lunong had been courted by several institutions, including the Chinese Academy of Sciences and another top university in the capital. In the end, Qin Lunong chose to give back to her alma mater out of gratitude.

Qin Yinong simply asked with concern, "Will you be comfortable here?"

She didn't want Qin Lunong to go abroad again, but she also knew there might be a gap compared to her previous work environment.

Qin Lunong looked at her: "You're here."

Qin Yinong's face turned red.

'What, what's this? Suddenly saying something so sentimental!'

Qin Lunong added: "The baby is here too."

Qin Yinong thought: 'Oh.'

Qin Lunong leisurely continued, smiling: "Mom is here, Aunt Fang is here too."

Qin Yinong glared at her: "That's enough, why are you so annoying."

Qin Lunong laughed heartily, pressing her down: "Keep working, don't slack off."

Qin Yinong exclaimed: "When did I ever slack off!"

Qin Lunong walked away with her back to her: "I'll go check on the baby."

After Qin Lunong's mood improved, her once emaciated body gradually filled out. It couldn't be called plump, but at least there was some flesh to touch. Every time Qin Yinong returned, she would measure Qin Lunong's wrist.

Qin Lunong chose to dive back into work so quickly partly for herself and partly for Qin Yinong. She had already made a bad start, but now there was still a chance to make amends.

Love isn't everything in life, and one doesn't die without love.

Only when Qin Yinong understood this could she relax and enjoy a relationship. Whether the outcome was good or bad, whether they stayed together or parted, as long as they loved sincerely, there would be no regrets.

There was one thing Qin Lunong hadn't said. In her view, Tang Ruoyao was so young, just at the most tender age of a little cabbage. If she didn't act now, when would she?

"Little cabb..." Qin Lunong swallowed the last word in time and changed her tone: "Where does the little friend go to school?"

Qin Yinong was wary: "Why?"

Qin Lunong said: "I want to go out for a change of scenery, not sure where, just asking casually."

Wanting to go out was a good thing. Qin Yinong's fingers dug into the sofa as she glanced at Qin Lunong, but going to see Tang Ruoyao, wasn't that a bit inappropriate?

Tang Ruoyao wasn't even her anything yet.

Qin Yinong said: "Then why don't you go back to P University for a stroll. If you've been away too long and don't recognize it, I can have someone show you around."

Qin Lunong was intrigued: "Who?"

Qin Yinong, curled up on the sofa with a pillow, said casually: "Just a student I sponsor. He should be a senior this year, got into graduate school." She finished speaking without looking at Qin Lunong, but her ears perked up.

Praise her! Quickly praise her!

Qin Lunong: "You sponsor students now?"

Qin Yinong mumbled: "Just... helping out casually."

Qin Lunong came over and pinched her face: "My sister is such a great philanthropist."

Qin Yinong's face was squeezed together, her eyes turned into slits, whether from the squeezing or from happiness, she said: "Learned from you." It just gradually developed into a form of solace for her. She did good deeds not only to help others but also for herself.

Qin Lunong said: "I never sponsored anyone who got into P University."

And she only donated some money when she was in the country, far from Qin Yinong's consistent efforts.

Her sister...

Qin Lunong's gaze softened more and more. Without her knowing, she had truly become stronger.

If they continued, Qin Yinong would get embarrassed, so she said: "Anyway, anyway, I'll give you his phone number. If you need anything, just call him. His name is Fang Cheng."

"What's his major?"

"Hmm, mathematics?"

"Then forget it, I wanted to take him on for a Ph.D., but he's out of luck."

"Although I don't understand universities, isn't it true that not just anyone can mentor a PhD student?"

"Who am I?" Qin Lunong tossed her long hair, exuding confidence.

"Middle school syndrome." Qin Yinong glanced at her.

"Hahahahaha," Qin Lunong laughed so hard she nearly choked.

Qin Yinong turned her face away, gently wiping the corner of her moist eye.

Since Qin Yinong refused to reveal Tang Ruoyao's identity, and Tang Ruoyao wasn't yet a household name—her only movie hadn't been released yet, making her essentially an unknown—Qin Lunong's plan to meet her future sister-in-law was temporarily shelved, and her matchmaking efforts came to a halt.

However, she had a profoundly positive impact on Qin Yinong's mental state. Qin Yinong set aside her worries about her sister and focused more on Tang Ruoyao, which manifested in concrete actions like... cooking delicious meals for her.

She found Tang Ruoyao's eating habits particularly adorable, often sitting across from her, chin in hand, watching intently.

Tang Ruoyao, on one hand, wanted Qin Yinong to keep looking at her, so she ate heartily, on the other hand, the food was genuinely delicious, and she ended up eating more than she realized.

Tang Ruoyao's appetite had noticeably increased lately.

In the school cafeteria, Tang Ruoyao carried her tray over, piled high with rice and a mountain of dishes.

The other three looked at her with subtle expressions.

Tang Ruoyao mixed the beef brisket sauce with her rice, scooping it into her mouth with a spoon, her cheeks puffing out like a little goldfish.

Wen Shuxian looked horrified, stammering, "T-Tangtang, haven't you noticed something?"

Tang Ruoyao swallowed her food and asked, "What?"

Wen Shuxian gulped and said, "Look at your plate, then look at ours."

Tang Ruoyao compared them but found nothing unusual: "What's wrong?"

Cui Jiaran took a photo of Tang Ruoyao with her phone.

Fu Yujun said, "It's nothing, we'll talk about it back in the dorm." Since she was already eating, there was no reason to stop her. Fu Yujun smiled, pushing a bowl of free soup toward her, "Have some soup, don't choke."

"Thank you." Tang Ruoyao buried herself in her meal, wondering why she felt so hungry lately.

Wen Shuxian & Cui Jiaran: "..."

Who knew Fu Yujun could be like this.

Fu Yujun secretly messaged Cui Jiaran: [Send me the photo, I'll make a comparison.]

Cui Jiaren: [[Photo]]

Fu Yujun combined Tang Ruoyao's dining photo from last month with the recent one, creating a straightforward comparison, and sent it back to Cui Jiaran:[[Photo] Show it to Tangtang when we get back to the dorm.]

Cui Jiaran: [Why don't you show her yourself?]

Fu Yujun: [I made the comparison.]

Cui Jiaran: [That's such a good point I have no comeback.]

Fu Yujun: [Hehe.]

Tang Ruoyao finished her meal, even drinking every last drop of soup, and returned to the dorm with her roommates, completely unaware.

A scream erupted from Room 405.

The other dorm residents were unfazed.

"It must be Wen Shuxian acting up again." they said.

But the truth in Room 405 was...

Tang Ruoyao stood on a scale, holding her phone, which displayed the photo Cui Jiaran had just sent. The photo showed her looking noticeably rounder than a month ago.

She was on the verge of fainting.

Wen Shuxian slammed the table, laughing hysterically.

Cui Jiaran hugged a pillow, burying her face in it, but laughter still bubbled out.

Fu Yujun's smile stretched from ear to ear.

The three mischievous friends gloated with schadenfreude as Tang Ruoyao drifted down from the scale like a wandering spirit, muttering to herself, "I need to lose weight... I need to lose weight..."

Fu Yujun slightly restrained herself, cleared her throat, and said, "Lose weight, I'll join you."

Cui Jiaran raised her hand, "I'll go too. My boyfriend said I've gained weight last time."

Wen Shuxian glared, "What kind of jerk dares to call you fat?"

Cui Jiaran replied, "I'll dump him tomorrow."

"Hahahaha," Wen Shuxian rubbed her round face, "Tangtang, look at me, I'm much rounder than you. Don't be discouraged."

Tang Ruoyao said, "You're short. At my height, gaining weight makes me look broad and stocky."

Wen Shuxian paused for a moment, her expression complicated, "I can't tell if you're complimenting or insulting me."

Tang Ruoyao suddenly stood up, "No, I'm going out for a run right now!" She had eaten so much at night! Was she a pig?!

She stomped up the stairs to her bed and pulled the curtain shut.

Wen Shuxian urged, "Hurry, hurry."

The other three quickly followed suit.

Fu Yujun grabbed her clothes and headed into the bathroom.

A gust of wind swept through the hallway.

Wen Shuxian's voice followed, "Slow down!"

A classmate nearly got bumped into, patting her chest in shock, muttering to herself, "Room 405 is getting crazier and crazier."

On the plastic track of the sports field, many boys and girls were running at night. The four girls from the performing arts department lined up in a row, including the campus belle, instantly becoming the most eye-catching sight.

It was at this moment that Qin Yinong called Tang Ruoyao.

Author's note: 

Sister Qin: Why run? Come and do some exercise with me.

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