CHAPTER 249: Qin & Tang Extra 23

The young girl's movements were clumsy yet gentle.

The cramped entryway left Qin Yinong cornered between the shoe cabinet and Tang Ruoyao's encircling arms, causing her to shrink slightly in stature. With newfound courage from her slightly elevated position, Tang Ruoyao leaned down and pressed her lips against Qin Yinong's.

The first sensation was warmth—like a flickering flame in the depths of winter, spreading from her lips all the way to her heart.

Qin Yinong had an excellent tolerance for alcohol and had only sipped a little at lunch, but at this moment, she felt an inexplicable intoxication.

She relaxed her body, offering no resistance.

The young woman kissed her softly. It was clear she was trying very hard, yet still lacked technique, like a newborn animal, clumsily adorable.

A faint smile curved Qin Yinong's lips as she closed her eyes.

Tang Ruoyao's palm, braced against the shoe cabinet, grew damp with sweat, her spine stiff with tension. She peeked open her eyes and saw Qin Yinong's serene expression, which eased her nervousness slightly.

'I'm smart—it's just a kiss, what's there to be afraid of?'

But she was terrified.

After what felt like an eternity, she pulled away, panting heavily, her face flushed crimson like a ripe peach on a branch.

Qin Yinong slowly opened her eyes, a beat too late.

'Hmm? That's it?'

'Not very impressive for a top student.'

She clicked her tongue inwardly.

Tang Ruoyao wrung her hands together, biting her lower lip as she looked at Qin Yinong. "You—" Her heart pounded like war drums sending ancient generals off to battle, her ears ringing. She had to swallow hard to hear her own anxious voice.

"Was it... okay?"

Qin Yinong stayed silent for five full seconds, barely suppressing the urge to laugh. Her tone remained neutral as she asked, "What if I said it wasn't?"

Tang Ruoyao gathered her courage and looked up, her beautiful amber eyes still misty with a dreamy haze. The entryway light wasn't on, making her eyes appear exceptionally bright, sparkling like stars.

"Then I'll keep going until you're satisfied."

The little animal pounced again.

Her lips felt wet. Qin Yinong quietly savored the sensation.

'A top student is indeed a top student. The second time was much better than the first.'

Knowledge from books is shallow, true understanding comes from practice.

Qin Yinong decided to take a hands-on approach to accelerate her progress.

A light pressure tilted her chin upward—not uncomfortable, just cool and smooth from the woman's fingers. Tang Ruoyao blinked in surprise as Qin Yinong lifted her face.

Now standing straight, Qin Yinong was two centimeters taller.

When the woman kissed her this time, Tang Ruoyao whimpered instinctively, clutching her collar.

After that, Tang Ruoyao's entire mind turned to mush.

'She's so good at this... I should learn from her—Wait, what was I—Ohhh, so sweet, so soft, so nice—Wait, what was I—Aahhh, I can't—I'm dying—Help—'

Qin Yinong chuckled, pulling away slightly for a moment.

"Breathe," she reminded.

'Oh. Right. Breathe'

Tang Ruoyao inhaled deeply, relieving the pressure in her lungs.

'So embarrassing.' She wanted to hide her face.

But before she could, Qin Yinong kissed her again.

Cupping Tang Ruoyao's cheek with one hand, she kissed her tenderly, lingeringly. Tang Ruoyao released her collar and wrapped her arms around her instead, melting into the embrace like soaking in a winter hot spring—every pore singing with pleasure, her scalp tingling faintly.

Qin Yinong's fingers delved into Tang Ruoyao's hair, making Tang Ruoyao shiver involuntarily.

Qin Yinong led her from the entryway to the sofa, made her sit on her lap, and continued to kiss her.

Tang Ruoyao didn't keep track of how long the kiss lasted—she only wished it would never end.

Finally, Qin Yinong pressed a light, fleeting peck to her lips, then tightened her arms around her, burying her face against Tang Ruoyao's shoulder as she caught her breath, steadying her racing heart.

Tang Ruoyao gasped for air the moment she was released, coughing slightly.

Her throat felt so dry.

Qin Yinong helped her down and stood to fetch a glass of water from the kitchen.

Tang Ruoyao hugged a pillow to her chest, her socked feet curled beneath her on the sofa, peeking over the cushion to watch the woman's slender, graceful figure retreat.

"Drink some water." Qin Yinong handed her a glass.

Tang Ruoyao accepted it with both hands, cradling it as she sipped, stealing glances at her.

Qin Yinong's fair skin was flushed with lingering desire, her features even more radiant, her eyes brimming with allure.

Tang Ruoyao's heart started racing again, and she gulped down more water in an attempt to steady herself.

Qin Yinong swirled her own glass lazily, a teasing glint in her eyes as she asked, "Did you learn anything?"

Tang Ruoyao's ears burned. "A—a little." she stammered.

"Keep up the good work." Qin Yinong said.

Tang Ruoyao nearly buried her face in her hands, murmuring in a voice barely louder than a whisper, "I will."

"You—" Qin Yinong's gaze lingered on the flushed curve of her ear, her voice softening. "Was that your first kiss?"

Tang Ruoyao's face burned crimson.

Who asked something like that so bluntly?

She couldn't bring herself to look up, fingers tightening around the glass as she nodded.

A pleased smile curled Qin Yinong's lips.

She draped an arm over the back of the sofa, leaning into it with lazy ease. "You did well, then."

Tang Ruoyao nodded again.

"I'll keep trying."

"I'll teach you."

As for whether teaching her apprentice would leave the master starving—Qin Yinong clearly hadn't considered that possibility yet.

The girl before her kept her head lowered, and Qin Yinong's gaze lingered on her slightly swollen lips, her throat bobbing as desire stirred within her. She shook her head, dispelling the ind3cent thoughts, and cleared her throat, adopting a composed tone. "Do you want to take a nap? You drank so much wine earlier."

Tang Ruoyao glanced up at her and nodded softly.

Qin Yinong stood first. "I'll see you out."

Tang Ruoyao blinked in surprise.

Qin Yinong smiled. "See you back to your room."

Even as she reached the door, Tang Ruoyao was still dazed, glancing back at the figure following her.

She'd never walked her back before—had something changed? Maybe she really did need to take the initiative more. Tang Ruoyao's thoughts spiraled further—perhaps Qin Yinong was trying to mold her into a perfect partner.

Ready-made lovers couldn't compare to one shaped by your own hands. The wealthy had all sorts of eccentric tastes.

"Good afternoon kiss." When Tang Ruoyao proactively said this, she didn't miss the fleeting surprise in Qin Yinong's eyes.

Tang Ruoyao understood, thinking, 'Sure enough.'

Qin Yinong seized her wrist, pulling her into an embrace and capturing her lips in another deep kiss, only releasing her reluctantly, both of them breathless.

"Good afternoon." Qin Yinong forced herself to say, refusing to glance at the bed inside. She couldn't rush this.

"Good afternoon."

Tang Ruoyao closed the door between them.

Qin Yinong turned and headed back to her own room, skipping a little step.

'First kiss.'

'Heh. Hehe. Hehehe.'

.......

[My Daily Life with Miss Q]

[So this is what kissing feels like... I want more.]

Tang Ruoyao took a shower, changed into her pajamas, and snuggled into the soft bedding. The quilt had been sun-dried earlier that day, carrying the warm scent of sunlight. She stretched her hand to the side—the bed was spacious enough for two more people. Gazing at the ceiling, she blinked slowly, wondering when she'd get to share it with Qin Yinong.

With a sigh, Tang Ruoyao closed her eyes and drifted into a deep sleep.

She hadn't set an alarm and woke to dusk already settling in. Looking out the window, the world seemed vast and serene, like a gentle oil painting.

She lingered in bed a little longer before finally getting up and opening the door.

The living room was bathed in golden sunset light, warm but not glaring. By the floor-to-ceiling window, a woman lay on the daybed, covered by a thin blanket. Her fingers were loosely interlaced and resting on her stomach, her eyes lightly closed, her chest rising and falling steadily with even breaths.

Tang Ruoyao sat cross-legged on the floor, propping her chin on one hand, watching her quietly without making a sound.

Qin Yinong was indeed fast asleep.

So deeply that she didn't even sense the gaze fixed on her.

Tang Ruoyao secretly took a photo of her. When she saw that Qin Yinong hadn't woken up, she boldly moved closer, set her camera to selfie mode, and was carefully adjusting the angle when the woman, sleeping with her eyes closed on the screen, unexpectedly opened her eyes without warning.

The shock was no less terrifying than seeing a corpse come back to life.

Tang Ruoyao's hand jerked, and her phone tumbled onto Qin Yinong, landing squarely on the back of her hand.

Her phone was an older model from a few years back—unlike the sleek, ultra-thin smartphones of today, it was practically a brick. Qin Yinong hissed softly in pain.

"S-sorry!" Tang Ruoyao scrambled to pick up the phone, then immediately tossed it aside. Instead, she cradled Qin Yinong's hand, blowing on it anxiously, her eyes welling up with worry. "Does it hurt?"

Qin Yinong had planned to tease her, but seeing the faint redness in Tang Ruoyao's eyes, she swallowed the word "yes" and replied gently, "No, it doesn't."

"It's all red, how could it not hurt?"

"Then keep blowing on it for me." Qin Yinong's tone was playful, her expression amused.

Tang Ruoyao's ears turned red again as she obediently held her hand and blew on it softly.

With her free hand, Qin Yinong pointed at the phone on the floor. "What were you taking pictures of just now?"

"Nothing."

"Hmm?"

Head drooping, Tang Ruoyao picked up the phone and handed it over. The old device lagged for a while before unlocking and opening the gallery. Qin Yinong stared at the photo of herself, her expression unreadable.

Tang Ruoyao's voice carried a hint of pleading. "Can you... not delete it?"

Qin Yinong didn't answer. Instead, she swiped back through the gallery and paused.

More photos of herself.

And more.

Movie stills, event photos, candid airport shots. She exited the album and switched to thumbnail view, making it even clearer—Tang Ruoyao had been hoarding pictures of her like some obsessed fan.

Unable to see what Qin Yinong was doing, Tang Ruoyao could only watch as the woman's lips curled slightly.

Satisfied, Qin Yinong returned to the first photo and handed the phone back.

Tang Ruoyao glanced down quickly and exhaled in relief—it hadn't been deleted.

Qin Yinong looked pleased. And when she was in a good mood, she liked to spoil Tang Ruoyao. She clapped her hands and sat up. "What do you want for dinner?"

Tang Ruoyao's expression suddenly changed, and she said despairingly, "Sister, I'm still on a diet."

Qin Yinong gently patted her head with a smile. "I'll make something low-calorie. It won't make you fat."

Qin Yinong leisurely stood up, her gaze lingering subtly on the phone for a second before heading to the kitchen.

Just after dinner, the doorbell rang.

Tang Ruoyao, who was cleaning up in the kitchen, heard the sound and quickly rushed past Qin Yinong—who was about to answer the door—to open it.

Standing at the door was Guan Han, holding a white paper bag.

Tang Ruoyao glanced back at Qin Yinong and pressed her lips together.

'It's so late. Is she still leaving?'

"Miss Tang," Guan Han greeted politely before looking past her. "Qin Jie."

Suppressing her reluctance, Tang Ruoyao said, "Assistant Guan, please come in."

"No need." Qin Yinong strode over, stuffed a bottle of Wangzai Milk into Guan Han's hand, and took the paper bag from her. "Thanks for your hard work. Have some milk to quench your thirst, and go back and rest."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Guan Han responded, "Understood."

The door closed without mercy.

Guan Han looked down at the Wangzai Milk in her hand, popped the tab open, took a gulp, and walked toward the elevator.

Tang Ruoyao stared blankly at the closed door as if Guan Han had never been there.

Qin Yinong sat on the sofa, glancing back at the dazed little rabbit before calling out, "Tang Ruoyao."

The moment the words left her mouth, she involuntarily frowned.

She rarely called Tang Ruoyao by her full name, and the few times she had, it had never felt strange before. But now, it carried an inexplicable sense of distance and awkwardness.

Tang Ruoyao walked back and looked at her.

Qin Yinong tilted her chin toward the paper bag on the coffee table, a faint smirk on her lips. "For you."

'For me?'

Tang Ruoyao's attention fell on the white paper bag, which bore a silver Apple logo. She took out the contents, unwrapped the packaging, and found a sleek silver phone—the latest model, matching Qin Yinong's. A couple's set.

Qin Yinong rubbed her thumb against the tip of her nose. "I noticed your old phone was about to break, so I got you a new one."

Tang Ruoyao pressed her lips together before looking up. "How much?"

"What?" Qin Yinong's expression darkened.

"How much?" Tang Ruoyao repeated. Qin Yinong's actions were a clear reminder of their purely transactional relationship. 'Was this a warning because she discovered my feelings for her?'

"It's free." Qin Yinong said patiently.

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head and rummaged through the bag for the receipt—and sure enough, she found it.

Opening WeChat, she entered the amount and silently transferred the money to Qin Yinong.

'The contact info I just got, and the first thing I use it for is this.' She laughed at herself bitterly.

Qin Yinong's phone vibrated. When she saw the transfer notification on the screen, anger flared in her chest. The award-winning actress had completely forgotten their "arrangement," only registering that Tang Ruoyao was refusing her gift and keeping her at arm's length.

She stuffed the phone and receipt back into the bag and took it to her room.

'Fine. If she doesn't want it, she doesn't have to take it.'

'If I ever give her another gift, I'm a dog!'

Watching Qin Yinong's resolute retreat, Tang Ruoyao's heart ached unbearably. 'Greed knows no bounds. I've already sold myself—what's the point of pretending to be noble now?'

That phone was a gift from Qin Yinong. No matter the reason, it was something she had given her.

After sitting silently on the sofa for a while, Tang Ruoyao stood up and walked toward Qin Yinong's room.

Tang Ruoyao knocked on the door with her knuckles, but Qin Yinong completely ignored her.

Standing outside, "Jing Zhong Bao Guo" [Serving the Country with Utmost Loyalty] remembering to pour herself a glass of water first to wet her throat between intermittent verses.

Qin Yinong inside the door: "..."

She held the new phone in her palm, looking at it back and forth. It reflected light under the lamp. She replied in an unfriendly tone, "Stop singing. It sounds awful."

Tang Ruoyao fell silent, leaning against the wall by the door and burying her face deeply in her knees.

So absorbed in her own thoughts, she didn't even hear the door quietly open—until a pair of slippers appeared in her line of sight. She looked up to see Qin Yinong standing over her, blocking the light and casting a long shadow.

'Woof.'

Qin Yinong thought to herself.

She crouched down and opened her palm, where the phone lay silently.

"Do you want it?" Qin Yinong asked seriously.

Tang Ruoyao reached out.

As she took the phone, her fingertips brushed against Qin Yinong's palm, sending a shiver like an electric current. Like the delicate touch of a dragonfly's legs skimming water—only the surface knew how much ripples it stirred.

'She made me so angry today. She deserves a little punishment.'

Qin Yinong found herself an excuse, braced one hand on the floor, and leaned in to kiss her.

Tang Ruoyao, equally pent-up with emotions, seized the chance to kiss her back fiercely.

The long, wet kiss lasted over ten minutes, leaving them both breathless when they finally parted.

Tang Ruoyao's face was flushed, her lashes lowered.

Qin Yinong stroked her warm cheek with her thumb, her eyes filled with both love and tenderness, as she softly said, "Don't refuse my gifts," she murmured softly. "And don't mention money."

Tang Ruoyao nodded.

"Come here, let me hug you." Still sitting on the floor, Qin Yinong pulled her into an embrace.

Tang Ruoyao rested her cheek against Qin Yinong's chest, listening to the steady, strong heartbeat—noticeably faster than usual.

"Sister."

The muffled voice came from within her arms. Qin Yinong looked down at her gently. "Hmm?"

"Do you like me?" Tang Ruoyao dug her fingertips into her own palm.

Instead of answering, Qin Yinong softly combed her fingers through the girl's long hair and countered, "What about you? Do you like me?"

"Yes."

"Me too." Qin Yinong said earnestly before pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

But how much of that 'like' do you have to spare? Where do I rank in your heart?

Tang Ruoyao burrowed deeper into her embrace and closed her eyes.

Qin Yinong helped her set up the new phone—activating it, registering an Apple ID, and downloading apps—before letting her figure out the rest on her own. Young minds worked fast, and soon Tang Ruoyao had mastered the device.

Qin Yinong lounged on the daybed reading, her phone placed on the coffee table. Tang Ruoyao set hers beside it.

The window was slightly ajar, letting in a soft evening breeze that rustled the pages of the book.

When Monday came and she returned to school, the new phone inevitably drew questions from her roommates. Without batting an eye, Tang Ruoyao said she'd bought it with her own earnings. With over a million still in her account, splurging on an expensive phone was nothing.

Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran looked disappointed, while Fu Yujun simply smiled knowingly.

Huo Yuke from Room 432 sneered nearby, earning a sharp retort from Wen Shuxian.

Life didn't change much—except that kissing became a regular part of Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao's daily routine.

Qin Yinong, having tasted the sweetness, turned into a kissing fiend. Taking advantage of her excellent kissing skills, she would often leave Tang Ruoyao breathless and flushed. Tang Ruoyao, determined to learn, struggled to improve amidst Qin Yinong's storm-like kisses.

Tang Ruoyao entered her final exam week.

With no more classes to attend, she simply stayed at the house in Wangyue Mountain every day.

Qin Yinong also noticeably increased the frequency of her overnight stays.

The two were inseparable, acting like a couple in the honeymoon phase, though they themselves didn't realize it.

One morning, Qin Lunong watched as Qin Yinong yawned her way into the house and clicked her tongue.

Qin Yinong wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes and headed upstairs, saying, "I'm going to catch up on sleep."

Qin Lunong asked, "What were you doing last night?"

"Nothing." Qin Yinong replied evasively.

Tang Ruoyao had an exam that morning and had to leave early. Afraid she might miss her, Qin Yinong had set an alarm for 5 a.m. to make breakfast—only to have fallen asleep the night before at nearly 4 a.m.

Not only was she groggy and lightheaded all morning, but the kissing had left her brain oxygen-deprived. That little brat Tang Ruoyao had taken advantage of her exhaustion to turn the tables, nearly pinning her down on the sofa.

Where had she learned that? Like a little wolf cub, she seized every opportunity to advance aggressively, as if she wanted to devour her whole.

Thank goodness she had an exam today.

Just thinking about it made Qin Yinong shudder.

"I'll sleep first. We'll talk when I wake up." Qin Yinong said, slipping away before Qin Lunong could press further.

Qin Lunong patted the baby in her arms and murmured, "You'll have a little aunt-in-law soon. Aren't you happy?"

The baby stretched out a tiny hand, and Qin Lunong gently squeezed the soft little fingers, answering in a sweet voice, "Happy."

Glancing back at the upstairs, Qin Lunong smiled.

Qin Yinong slept until lunchtime, refreshed as she came downstairs and took the baby from Qin Lunong's arms. Qin Lunong shook her sore arms and remarked coolly, "Now you remember your niece. Where were you when you were running off every day?"

"I was busy." Qin Yinong said guiltily.

"Busy dating?" Qin Lunong mercilessly exposed her.

Qin Yinong gave an awkward laugh.

Ji Shulan stood at the kitchen doorway.

"Dudu is dating?"

Qin Yinong shot Qin Lunong a glare, and Qin Lunong explained, "No, someone's pursuing her."

"Oh," Ji Shulan said with a smile. "Have your sister help vet them when you have time."

Qin Lunong, seizing the opportunity, raised an eyebrow. "Did you hear what Mom said?"

Qin Yinong replied, "I heard."

She had actually wanted Qin Lunong's opinion—she just hadn't been in good health before.

After lunch, Qin Yinong handed her a piece of paper.

"What's this?" Qin Lunong unfolded it and read the heading aloud, "Performance Class 1 Exam Week Schedule?"

Qin Yinong fidgeted and whispered, "Didn't you say before that you wanted to visit her school?"

Qin Lunong smirked. "How far do you want me to go? Meet her for a chat? Or just observe her from afar?"

Qin Yinong wasn't sure. She had no experience in this. "You decide. Just... don't scare her."

Qin Lunong studied her silently.

Qin Yinong asked, "W-what?"

After a moment, Qin Lunong asked, "If I object, will you still be with her?"

Qin Yinong thought for a moment, her lips pressing together, then nodded.

Qin Lunong gently patted her head.

She had already made up her mind—she just needed that final push from herself. In fact, whether she gave that push or not hardly mattered. But since she had placed the opportunity right in front of herself, why not take it?

Besides...

A faint smile curled at the corner of Qin Lunong's lips.

She was genuinely curious to meet that fresh young cabbage—what kind of magic did she possess to have her little sister so utterly bewitched?

Qin Lunong folded the paper back up and said, "I'll go see her tomorrow."

"Don't."

"Why not?"

"Wait until she finishes her exams. Don't affect her performance. Her last exam is in the afternoon."

Qin Lunong clicked her tongue at this.

Qin Yinong pretended not to hear, scratching the bridge of her nose to suppress an overly bright smile as she boasted, "She's always been first in her class."

The words sounded familiar.

As a child, Qin Yinong would often brag to her peers: "Do you have an older sister? I do. My sister is amazing—she got first place again."

Qin Lunong felt complicated emotions.

The future relationship between the eldest sister-in-law and the daughter-in-law seems concerning.

Qin Yinong gave Qin Lunong Tang Ruoyao's number, suggesting she send a text during the exam period when Tang Ruoyao's phone was off. That way, it wouldn't disrupt her focus but could still arrange a timely meeting.

Qin Lunong didn't listen. Feeling the need to clear her mind, she simply disguised herself with sunglasses and a baseball cap before heading alone to the Capital Academy of Drama.

The campus during exam week was quieter than usual, with only scattered students passing by. Some noticed her, casting curious glances from across the path, others walked past before suddenly turning back with furrowed brows.

Qin Lunong was stopped twice. Removing her sunglasses, she politely explained, "You've mistaken me for someone else. I'm not Qin Yinong."

Though the sisters shared some facial similarities, they were far from identical twins, and their auras were worlds apart. The students apologized sheepishly. The youthful energy of the campus was refreshing, and Qin Lunong leisurely made her way to Tang Ruoyao's dormitory.

Standing under the shade of a tree in front of the building, she sent a text:

......

 "Exam time is up."

Tang Ruoyao closed her pen cap, waiting for the teacher to collect the exam papers. She had finished long ago but habitually reviewed her answers until time was called.

Packing her pen away, she chatted and laughed with her roommates on their way back to the dorm.

Her phone had been in her pocket the whole time, and she only remembered to turn it on halfway. A single message nearly knocked her off her feet.

From an unknown number: [I'm Qin Yinong's older sister. I'm outside your dorm right now.]

'Older sister?'

'Actual sister or... 'love' sister?'

With her heart pounding, Tang Ruoyao approached the dorm building. The first thing she saw was a tall, slender woman. Even with half her face obscured by sunglasses, Tang Ruoyao understood immediately.

This was probably the real sister.

Her knees nearly buckled, but she forced herself to stay composed as she walked toward the figure.

Even if she gave her ten million, she wouldn't leave Qin Yinong.

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