CHAPTER 250: Qin & Tang Extra 24

Qin Lunong, wearing sunglasses, watched the students coming and going.

Art schools generally had higher average attractiveness than regular universities. Occasionally, a few performing arts students passed by—the men with broad shoulders and narrow waists, the women with fair skin and beautiful faces, and excellent taste in clothes.

Qin Lunong leisurely enjoyed observing these youthful students. Her gaze suddenly stopped, fixed on a figure ahead on the campus path.

She saw Tang Ruoyao.

Not because she recognized her from photos or videos, but because, out of all those people, Tang Ruoyao was the one who instantly caught her eye. Dressed in a white sundress and low-heeled sandals, she moved with effortless grace, her presence ethereal.

Her skin was as fair as beautiful jade, gleaming under the setting sun.

She alone could outshine everyone around her.

She tilted her head slightly, seemingly chatting with her roommate, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips. The sunlight dimmed for a moment before making her face glow even more radiantly.

She glanced down at her phone, her body stiffening momentarily as if she couldn't stand steady, reaching out to steady herself on her roommate's arm.

All it took was one text message to drag the ethereal goddess down to earth.

Qin Lunong chuckled softly.

Tang Ruoyao's gaze wandered briefly before locking eyes with Qin Lunong beneath the tree. A flicker of determination flashed in her eyes as she strode straight toward her.

"Hello," she said, extending her hand with neither humility nor arrogance.

Qin Lunong shook her hand. "Hello, little one."

Her tone was teasing, the line of her jaw beneath the sunglasses soft.

Tang Ruoyao's heart pounded as she discreetly pulled her hand back, spreading her fingers to let the wind dry the sweat on her palm.

Her roommates—Wen Shuxian and the others—watched as she hurried toward a woman standing under a tree, wearing a mask and sunglasses. Unfamiliar with Qin Yinong and seeing only her profile, they didn't immediately recognize the resemblance to Qin Lunong. Still, they followed.

Wen Shuxian asked, "And this is...?"

Qin Lunong lifted her head and turned toward them. "Hello."

Wen Shuxian jumped in place, doing a koala hug on a tree. "Oh my god!"

Cui Jiaran, too stunned to pull Wen Shuxian's flailing arms down, gaped wide-eyed.

Fu Yujun took an involuntary half-step back, staring at the woman before them, unable to hide her shock.

Qin Lunong raised an eyebrow.

So her sister's influence was this exaggerated?

"I'm Tang Ruoyao's friend," Qin Lunong introduced herself. "Sharon."

Qin Yinong's films always used her original voice, making it highly recognizable to many in China—let alone performance students who analyzed her movies frame by frame. The moment Qin Lunong spoke, they knew they'd mistaken her for someone else.

Wen Shuxian muttered under her breath, "Why the English name?"

Fu Yujun was the first to recover. "Hello, we're her roommates."

Qin Lunong smiled. "Nice to meet you all."

Fu Yujun's expression shifted before settling into calm. She returned the smile. "Likewise. Are you here to see Tangtang?"

Qin Lunong: "Mhm."

Fu Yujun took the other two roommates' hands. "Then we won't disturb you."

Wen Shuxian opened her mouth to say more, but a glance from Fu Yujun silenced her. She obediently followed the others into the building, though not without a final backward glance.

With the onlookers gone, Qin Lunong extended a polite invitation. "Would you grace me with your presence for a meal?"

Tang Ruoyao nodded.

"Of course."

Wen Shuxian, having held back her thoughts the entire way, finally burst out the moment they reached the dorm.

"Seriously, who was that? Why does she look so much like—you know who?" She clutched her chest, still shaken.

Cui Jiaran added, "Qin Yinong's been in the industry for years, and plenty have tried riding her coattails as 'the next Qin Yinong.' But none of them looked even half as similar as this one. The world's full of surprises."

Wen Shuxian pressed, "But the real question is—why was she looking for Tangtang?"

Cui Jiaran turned to Fu Yujun. "Lao Fu, why so quiet?"

Fu Yujun replied absentmindedly, "Hmm?"

Cui Jiaran asked, "Why were you in such a hurry to drag us away just now? Do you know something?"

Fu Yujun shook her head.

Wen Shuxian pounced like a hungry wolf, wrapping her arm around Fu Yujun's neck. Fu Yujun stiffened slightly before gradually relaxing as she heard Wen Shuxian's threatening whisper in her ear: "Confession brings leniency, resistance brings severity. You always think you're so clever, keeping everything from us."

Struggling for breath under the chokehold, Fu Yujun gasped out, "I really don't know anything."

Wen Shuxian exchanged a meaningful glance with Cui Jiaran.

Caught in their pincer attack with all the physical contact, Fu Yujun was thoroughly overwhelmed. She surrendered, "Alright, alright, I'll talk." Her face carefully avoiding certain soft areas, her neck stiff as wood, she pleaded, "Just... let me go first."

"Talk first, then we'll let go."

Sighing in resignation, Fu Yujun admitted, "I think that person just now was Tangtang's girlfriend."

"Girlfriend?" Wen and Cui exclaimed in unison.

Seizing the opportunity, Fu Yujun slipped out of their encirclement and darted several steps away, arms raised defensively like a victimized maiden.

Too shocked to notice her escape, the other two stood frozen.

Wen Shuxian scratched her head. "How did you know?"

Having regained her composure, Fu Yujun straightened her rumpled collar. "Like I said, it's just a guess."

"But how did you guess that?"

"Just random guess. Take it with a grain of salt."

There was no way Wen Shuxian would dismiss this. Pacing the room, alternately clapping and punching her palm, she exclaimed, "So she's dating a girlfriend, not a boyfriend! How could she keep this from us?"

"Why does her girlfriend look so much like Qin Yinong?" she muttered to herself before suddenly blurting out, "Could she be a substitute?"

Poisoned by countless melodramatic novels, Wen Shuxian immediately conjured a tragic tale of body and soul—The Campus Belle's Substitute Lover.

"Holy sh!t!" Her eyes widened.

For the first time, Fu Yujun's trademark smile faded, her expression darkening slightly. Truth be told, the same thought had crossed her mind when she saw Qin Lunong.

Tang Ruoyao often watched Qin Yinong's movies in their dorm. Fu Yujun had assumed it was mere appreciation, never imagining such intentions. Unable to have the real thing, she'd found a lookalike substitute.

The Campus Belle's Substitute Lover? No—Qin Lunong was currently sitting across from Tang Ruoyao in a café.

The porcelain spoon clinked softly against the cup after stirring. Tang Ruoyao suppressed a shiver, sitting ramrod straight with tense shoulders, hands properly folded on her lap beneath the table.

Qin Lunong took a sip of coffee and asked casually, "How did you meet my sister?"

'Here it comes.'

With utmost vigilance, Tang Ruoyao answered respectfully, "Last summer, I was working part-time at a club when someone got handsy with me. Miss Qin helped me out."

"So it was a hero saving the beauty?" Quite romantic, Qin Lunong mused to herself.

"No, Miss Qin was just kind-hearted."

"You usually call her Miss Qin? So formal?"

Tang Ruoyao shook her head.

"Then what do you call her?"

"...Sister." Tang Ruoyao's ears burned crimson, her voice nearly inaudible.

"Cough." Qin Lunong nearly choked on her own saliva. Dabbing her lips delicately with a napkin, she asked, "When did you two get together?"

"We're not together yet."

"But you live together?"

Tang Ruoyao's eyes widened slightly—'You know that too?' Then it occurred to her: Qin Yinong had so many lovers, so it was perfectly normal for her to live with others. But there was one puzzling point: if living together was so common, why would Qin Lunong specifically seek her out?

Holding back a hint of probing intent, Tang Ruoyao countered, "Is that strange?"

Qin Lunong was momentarily taken aback.

'Wasn't it supposed to be strange?'

Qin Yinong herself had long forgotten the media's portrayal of her as having countless lovers and had never clarified this misunderstanding with Tang Ruoyao—let alone Qin Lunong, who had only recently returned to the country. Caught off guard, Qin Lunong found herself outmaneuvered by this little cabbage, and she didn't even understand how it had happened.

Qin Lunong had encountered an unexpected Waterloo.

But when it came to putting on a mysterious front, she was far more experienced than the still-green Tang Ruoyao. With an sly smile, she replied, "What do you think?"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

If she could explain a proper answer, would she be testing the waters like this?

Meeting Qin Lunong's gaze, Tang Ruoyao answered honestly, "I don't know."

"Why?"

"I don't know if she treats others the same way." A faint trace of self-mockery flickered in her eyes.

'Others?'

Qin Lunong quietly filed away this information.

Tang Ruoyao asked, "Why did you come to me? Am I the only one you approached, or have you sought out others as well?"

After a brief pause, Qin Lunong answered, "Only you."

Tang Ruoyao smiled faintly. "I'm honored."

So, among Qin Yinong's lovers, she must hold significant status—enough to warrant a personal visit from her sister. An unrealistic thought suddenly surfaced in Tang Ruoyao's mind: Had Qin Yinong developed genuine feelings for her? Was her family stepping in to sever these romantic ties before things went too far?

At this realization, Tang Ruoyao's previously tense nerves relaxed.

No matter what Qin Lunong said, she just wouldn't agree.

After a thoughtful silence, Qin Lunong said, "She's my only sister."

Tang Ruoyao's expression remained indifferent.

So, was the next line going to be, "Here's ten million—leave my sister"?

Qin Lunong rested her chin on her hand, sighing in exasperation. "Twenty-seven years old, and she's never even been in a relationship."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

She picked up her coffee and took a large gulp.

'Stay calm. Stay. Calm.'

Never having been in a relationship didn't mean never having had lovers—screw staying calm! She'd never been in a relationship?! So, by extension, could she count as Qin Yinong's first love? She must! Otherwise, why would Qin Lunong come to her specifically?

'Ha. Haha. Hahaha.'

Her lips twitched, her smile threatening to break free. She kept drinking her coffee.

Gulp, gulp, gulp.

Until it was gone.

Qin Lunong: "..."

This little cabbage didn't seem very bright.

Qin Lunong raised her hand and snapped her fingers. "Waiter, another latte, please."

Tang Ruoyao set her hands down, cheeks slightly flushed, and murmured sheepishly, "Sorry."

Qin Lunong tapped her index finger against the checkered tablecloth before speaking slowly. "Have you never been in a relationship either?"

Tang Ruoyao nodded.

Qin Lunong's eyebrows lifted slightly.

'Perfect. Two inexperienced ones'

Her expression turned contemplative as the evening sunlight streaming through the window cast a gentle glow over her face. Softly, she asked, "So, when do the two of you plan to get together?"

Tang Ruoyao stared at her, disbelief in her eyes. "You're not here to—"

"To what?"

Her voice dropped. "...Break us apart?"

Qin Lunong burst into laughter.

Birds of a feather flock together—this little cabbage was just as silly as her sister.

Tang Ruoyao's heart was in turmoil from her laughter, nearly dancing a tango in her chest. Pressing her lips together, she asked humbly, "Could Miss Qin please enlighten me?"

Qin Lunong glanced at her with a teasing smile. "Why would I want to break you two apart? With my sister's temperament, it's rare for her to find someone she likes. If she misses this chance, who knows when the next one will come?"

"So you mean..." Tang Ruoyao unconsciously held her breath, speaking cautiously, "you support us?"

Qin Lunong clarified, "I didn't say that. I'm just stating facts."

But that was exactly what she meant.

Qin Yinong might appear sociable, but few ever truly got close to her heart, let alone entered a romantic relationship. Having been in the industry for years, hadn't there been others who expressed interest? Qin Yinong had always avoided such advances, never allowing even the slightest possibility to emerge. Somehow, this little cabbage had managed to live with her—regardless of how it happened, the result was what mattered. Why not be happy about it?

This little cabbage was experiencing first love, which had its pros and cons. The advantage was the wholehearted enthusiasm and fearless pursuit—young love could truly set one ablaze, with its intense emotions palpable at every moment, irresistible to anyone. The downside was that if problems arose later, the inexperience of youth might lead to poor handling, resulting in separation. Everything has two sides—one shouldn't stop eating for fear of choking.

From Qin Lunong's perspective, this cabbage was fresh and tender—definitely not a loss in a relationship.

Not opposing was as good as approval. Tang Ruoyao was overjoyed.

"Sister," she blurted out in delight, looking at Qin Lunong.

Qin Lunong burst out laughing. "Isn't it a bit early to change how you address me?"

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head, mortified. "I'm sorry."

Qin Lunong waved it off. "It's fine." It was rather quite cute.

She asked, "So you two are just going to stay stuck like this?"

Tang Ruoyao composed herself slightly, holding her freshly served iced coffee with both hands. "I'm not sure. I think she likes me."

Qin Lunong smiled. "Be more confident—she does like you."

Tang Ruoyao pressed her lips together shyly again. "I understand."

Curious, Qin Lunong inquired, "If you both have feelings for each other, why waste time?"

She understood Qin Yinong's reasons, but not this little cabbage's mindset. Weren't young people supposed to be the most impulsive? Knowing the other person liked her, how could she hold back from confessing? If she did, would that hopeless Qin Yinong really refuse?

"Afraid she'd reject you?"

Tang Ruoyao shook her head, brows slightly furrowed. "No."

Her eyes lowered as her slender fingers fiddled with the coffee cup handle. Softly, she said, "I'm just her favorite, not her only one." Even this "favorite" had only been confirmed today.

Qin Lunong frowned. "You mean she likes someone else too?"

Tang Ruoyao reasoned carefully, "Maybe not in the same way, but there are others."

Qin Lunong's voice was gentle. "But from what I know of her, she isn't that type. Have you ever seen her with someone else?"

Tang Ruoyao shook her head.

"Has she ever told you so herself?"

Tang Ruoyao lifted her gaze, and in the woman's calm eyes, a possibility dawned on her.

Qin Lunong looked at her and said slowly, "If you haven't seen it or heard it, why are you so sure there's someone else?"

Her heartbeat quickened.

Tang Ruoyao's fingers unconsciously tightened, then relaxed, then clenched again. Her throat felt dry as she stammered, "But... but that's what everyone outside is saying."

Qin Lunong continued looking at her, but a trace of disappointment appeared in her eyes.

"Have you asked her?" she said solemnly.

"I..." Tang Ruoyao said dejectedly, "No."

"So you just believe she's a promiscuous woman based on hearsay?" The words were unusually harsh for the typically gentle Qin Lunong, but when it came to Qin Yinong, she wasn't without temper.

Tang Ruoyao was speechless. "I—"

Qin Lunong scoffed. "Seems you're no different from those outsiders after all."

Tang Ruoyao bowed her head deeply. "I'm sorry."

"The person you should apologize to isn't me. After all, she never knew you've always thought of her this way." Qin Lunong picked up her bag, her face like still water. "Excuse me."

Left alone on the white chair, Tang Ruoyao sat motionless with her head bowed for a long time.

As soon as Qin Lunong entered the courtyard gate, Qin Yinong came running out like an eager puppy waiting for its owner.

Qin Lunong stopped and flicked her sister's forehead hard with her finger.

Rubbing her forehead, Qin Yinong protested, "What was that for? What did I do?"

Qin Lunong walked past her and strode into the house.

Qin Yinong followed behind.

"Did you two have a fight?"

"No."

"Then why—"

"Get me some water. Stop with the questions."

Qin Yinong obediently went to the kitchen to pour water.

After watching her for a while, Qin Lunong asked, "How exactly did you two meet?"

"What did she tell you?"

"That she was working part-time at a club when some troublemakers harassed her, and you came to her rescue like a hero."

Qin Yinong laughed, stroking her chin with evident pleasure. "She really said that?" So she'd made a good first impression after all.

The more Qin Lunong looked at her, the more irritated she became.

'You fool. What good is being a hero when others still think you're a phil@nderer?'

"Is that what really happened?"

"Yes." Qin Yinong felt sweetness bloom in her chest.

"And how did you two develop things from there?"

"Affection grew with time."

"'Grew'—?"

"As in over time, not the verb."

"Oh."

"What's with that look?" Qin Yinong glared.

"A righteous look." Not wanting to hurt her sister, Qin Lunong kept Tang Ruoyao's misunderstanding to herself, while Qin Yinong—considering their "sponsorship" arrangement now nominal and too embarrassing to mention—also withheld that part of the truth.

Finally, Qin Lunong hinted vaguely, "Honesty is most important in a relationship."

Qin Yinong nodded eagerly. "I know."

Qin Lunong looked pained.

'You know nothing!'

"I'm going to see the baby." Qin Lunong said.

"Go ahead. She just woke up and will probably want to play for a while."

Only after Qin Lunong's retreating back disappeared did Qin Yinong suddenly remember to call out, "Sis! You never said what you thought of her!"

.....

Under the dim streetlights, Tang Ruoyao walked dejectedly down the campus path, her long shadow trailing behind.

Her first meeting with her future sister-in-law had been a complete disaster. Tang Ruoyao knew she must have left an awful impression—the first half had gone well enough, with Qin Lunong seeming quite pleased with her, but then everything had taken a sharp downturn.

"The person you should apologize to isn't me. After all, she never knew you've always thought of her this way."

Nine words to awaken the lost scholar, one phrase to startle the dreamer awake.

Tang Ruoyao wished she could slap herself hard. When had Qin Yinong ever personally admitted to having a lover? Even if it was called being a kept woman, had she fulfilled even the slightest obligation of a can@ry after signing the contract? Qin Yinong had paid for her father's surgery, gone out of her way to transfer him to a better hospital, patiently taught her acting skills, recommended her for auditions, and propelled her career to new heights. What kind of 'sugar d@ddy' showers someone with favors without expecting anything in return, only caring about treating them well?

All she does all day is come up with wild ideas—her imagination is bigger than a black hole. With such a talent for outrageous fantasies, why study acting? Why not go into screenwriting? Even the screenwriting department wouldn't accept her with those 18+ concepts.

'Useless. Worthless. Good-for-nothing.'

'What's the point of having a mouth if you don't ask? Why didn't you just ask?'

'While others treat you with their whole heart, you're busy wondering which lover she's favored today—heartless, ungrateful, worse than beasts.'

Tang Ruoyao entered the dorm and stood silently by the door, enveloped in a terrifyingly oppressive aura.

The three roommates turned to look at her in unison, only to see her suddenly raise her hand and slap herself hard across the face.

Smack!

The sound was sharp and loud.

Wen Shuxian, startled out of her wits, missed a step on the stairs and fell with a thud, landing hard on her knees.

The sound made everyone present wince in sympathy, unable to bear looking.

Wen Shuxian let out a pained cry, curling up on the floor like a silkworm cocoon, clutching her knees and rolling back and forth. "It hurts it hurts it hurts—ow ow ow ow!"

The others: "..."

They took Wen Shuxian to the campus clinic. Fortunately, there were no broken bones—just a nasty bruise. After applying ointment, they helped her limp onto the campus shuttle bus to return to the dorm.

Wen Shuxian patted her chest. "That scared me to death! I'm about to start filming soon. If I'd seriously injured myself, my first acting gig would've been ruined. How unfair would that be?"

Tang Ruoyao, who had been silent the whole way, suddenly spoke up, her voice hoarse. "I'm sorry."

She hadn't held back with that slap. As the shuttle passed the brightly lit cafeteria building, the vivid red mark on her cheek was clearly visible. Wen Shuxian, recalling the "substitute lover" who had taken Tang Ruoyao away that afternoon, immediately conjured up a tragic backstory in her mind and quickly reassured her, "It's fine, I'm okay!"

Tang Ruoyao was quiet for a few seconds before saying, "I'm just a monster."

Wen Shuxian stammered, "You... you don't have to go that far."

She glanced at Fu Yujun for help. Fu Yujun said calmly, "Whether you're human or a monster, we'll talk about it back at the dorm."

If Tang Ruoyao really had been using someone as a substitute, even as her roommate, Fu Yujun wouldn't take her side.

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head.

As soon as they got off the shuttle, she received a call from Qin Yinong.

On the other end, Qin Yinong asked gently, "My sister came to see you this afternoon. Did she give you a hard time?"

"No," Tang Ruoyao sniffled.

"You're crying?"

Tang Ruoyao walked toward a secluded tree.

Wen Shuxian called out, "Hey—"

Fu Yujun stopped her. "Let's go upstairs first." Her gaze lingered on Tang Ruoyao's retreating figure for a moment before she turned away. "Come on."

Tang Ruoyao kept her head down, tears falling one after another.

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Qin Yinong pressed anxiously. "Where are you?"

"School." Her voice was even more muffled now.

The baby was six months old. Qin Lunong had placed her on the living room carpet to crawl. Just then, heavy footsteps thudded down the stairs—Qin Yinong rushed down from the second floor, car keys in hand.

"Where are you going?"

Qin Yinong shot her a glare. "I'll settle accounts with you when I get back!"

Qin Lunong: "..."

The front door slammed shut.

Qin Lunong clicked her tongue and picked up a rattle to tease the baby. Ningning giggled, crawling toward it. Tossing the rattle aside, Qin Lunong scoffed, "Marry a wife, forget your sister."

Qin Yinong rarely drove herself, usually relying on her chauffeur or Guan Han. But today, she drove cautiously, not daring to hang up the phone, afraid her little white rabbit might hide away and cry alone.

"I'll be there soon," she soothed Tang Ruoyao softly. "Don't be scared."

"Mm."

Qin Yinong didn't dare drive into the school, parking outside as usual and reporting her license plate number.

Tang Ruoyao opened the door and took the passenger seat, then extended the hand she'd been hiding behind her back—offering Qin Yinong a single rose.

Qin Yinong pressed her lips together, trying desperately to suppress her smile, but the joy still leaked through the upward curve of her eyes. Softly, she asked, "For me?"

"Mm."

Qin Yinong took it, holding it in her hand.

The delicate fragrance of the rose filled the car.

Unable to control herself, she broke into an almost innocent smile. "Thank you."

The rose at night wasn't as fresh and vibrant as one at dawn, and this wasn't the first time Qin Yinong had received a rose—many people had given her far more exquisite and beautiful bouquets. But she would always remember this evening, as the city lights began to glow, when the person she loved gave her a single red rose.

Tang Ruoyao reached over and clasped the hand holding the rose.

Qin Yinong's slender fingers curled slightly on instinct, her voice softening. "What's wrong?"

Tang Ruoyao studied her for several seconds before exhaling. "Nothing. Let's talk when we get back."

Qin Yinong clumsily started the car, turned on the signal, and merged into the flow of traffic.

Tang Ruoyao noticed and asked, "Why did you drive out yourself?"

Perhaps because of the rose, the emotions Qin Yinong had kept hidden surged forth like a flood, unrestrained for once.

"I was worried about you." she answered.

"I'm fine. Nothing would happen at school."

"Only seeing you put me at ease."

Qin Yinong gripped the steering wheel with both hands, eyes fixed straight ahead. Afraid of distraction, she didn't look at Tang Ruoyao, her lips pressed into a faint line—every reply spoken with quiet sincerity.

Tang Ruoyao turned to gaze out the window, one hand covering her mouth as she tasted salt.

There was nothing left to ask.

Her feelings had long been laid bare, clear and unmistakable. It was Tang Ruoyao who had been blind, deceived by hearsay and illusion.

They returned to the house at Wangyue Mountain.

Qin Yinong entered first, setting out their slippers. She bent to change her shoes, but when she straightened, Tang Ruoyao remained standing motionless.

Qin Yinong looked up.

Tang Ruoyao stood at the entryway, staring at her with an intensity that sent a faint shiver through her, warmth pooling in her chest. Something scorching and overwhelming simmered in the confined space.

Tang Ruoyao took both of her hands, thumbs gently stroking the backs of them.

She met the woman's dark eyes—Qin Yinong gazed back, tender and unwavering.

In that moment, Tang Ruoyao felt as though the heart she'd been holding aloft since last year had finally settled into place, filling her with an indescribable peace.

"Qin Yinong," she said, "will you be my girlfriend?"

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