CHAPTER 257: Qin & Tang Extra 31

While chatting with Tang Ruoyao, Qin Lunong turned her head and saw this scene, her face darkening like the bottom of a pot.

Qin Yinong burst into laughter.

The dignity she had lost in front of Qin Lunong was completely regained—even with interest—by the little one's single word "Mama."

Qin Yinong kissed Ningning's cheek with a loud smack and declared, "Auntie didn't spoil you for nothing!"

Ningning giggled, revealing her two tiny baby teeth.

Qin Lunong wanted to assert her maternal authority, so all irrelevant personnel were to retreat.

Tang Ruoyao suggested returning home, but Qin Yinong, eager for her to bond with the family, insisted she stay, using the excuse that it was too late and unsafe on the road. Tang Ruoyao looked at the clock on the wall, which showed it was not yet nine, and her expression was subtle.

She wanted to stay in Qin Yinong's room but feared her family might think her too forward. Ji Shulan also mentioned their childhood closeness, suggesting they catch up. Tang Ruoyao half-heartedly agreed.

Qin Yinong took the half-bottle of red wine left from dinner upstairs, sat on a high stool at the bar, and chatted late into the night with Tang Ruoyao, each with a glass of red wine.

"When I was little, I often visited your house. Your mom was a great cook—made snacks kids loved and played games with us. Not just me, but all the kids in the neighborhood loved going to your house. It was practically a children's paradise."

"What was my mom like?"

"Gentle, kind, beautiful... Honestly, every compliment in the world applies to her." Qin Yinong didn't forget to praise Tang Ruoyao too, "That's why her daughter turned out so adorable."

Tang Ruoyao rested her chin on her hand, smiling.

She thought: If her mother hadn't died, she and Qin Yinong would have grown up together as childhood sweethearts. Qin Yinong would have visited daily after school, held little Tang Ruoyao's hand everywhere. She'd call Qin Yinong "Sister Dudu," and when adolescence came, they'd develop secret crushes, turning everyday activities into heart-fluttering romantic moments.

Noticing Tang Ruoyao's flushed cheeks and nearly empty glass, Qin Yinong intercepted the wineglass heading to her lips. "Are you drunk?"

Tang Ruoyao's eyes were hazy: "No."

Qin Yinong: "..."

This little rascal—drinking to drown sorrows or celebrate joys, yet having such low alcohol tolerance.

Setting the glass aside, Qin Yinong sighed, "Let's get you washed up for bed."

"Mhm." Tang Ruoyao said, stepping onto the floor. She swayed, and Qin Yinong quickly reached out, grabbing her arm, and reminded her, "Be careful."

Tang Ruoyao looked up, then suddenly threw her arms open and hugged Qin Yinong tightly.

Qin Yinong caught her, supporting her waist with her hand, and rubbing her chin against the girl's temple, she chuckled, "What are you doing?"

Tang Ruoyao whined coquettishly in her arms, making Qin Yinong's heart melt.

Does alcohol turn her into a professional snuggler?

"I don't wanna shower." Tang Ruoyao mumbled.

"How can you sleep without showering?"

"Don't wanna shower alone."

"Should I help you then?" Qin Yinong teased.

After serious consideration, Tang Ruoyao nodded: "Okay."

Qin Yinong: "..."

Already moving to the next topic, Tang Ruoyao asked, "What should I wear to bed?"

Qin Yinong: "...I'll get you something."

The master bedroom connected to the walk-in closet. As an international star, Qin Yinong naturally had a wardrobe full of pajamas and dresses. She picked out a cartoon-printed short-sleeved pajama set that matched Tang Ruoyao's usual style, but Tang Ruoyao pointed at something else: "I want to wear that."

She was indicating a sheer silk nightgown—the sexy kind.

Qin Yinong's eyes widened in alarm.

She pressed down Tang Ruoyao's raised hand and said sternly, "Children shouldn't wear things like that." Quickly grabbing the cartoon pajamas instead, she ushered Tang Ruoyao out of the closet.

Tang Ruoyao kept glancing back longingly.

After guiding her to the bathroom, Qin Yinong adjusted the shower temperature perfectly and said, "Grown-ups can bathe themselves. You can too, right?"

Tilting her head, Tang Ruoyao countered, "But you just said I'm a child."

With complete seriousness, Qin Yinong replied, "You've grown up now."

Tang Ruoyao: "...Is that so?"

"Of course." Qin Yinong said, "I'll wait outside. Call if you need anything. Do you remember my name?"

Tang Ruoyao gazed at her, sweet dimples appearing as she smiled: "Sister."

Qin Yinong's heart fluttered. Unable to resist, she cupped the back of Tang Ruoyao's head and captured her lips in a deep, lingering kiss.

Tang Ruoyao clung to her, all her weight leaning into Qin Yinong as her voice turned even softer, carrying a pleading whimper: "Sister... I... can't stand anymore..."

The taste of red wine permeated everything. Reluctantly breaking the kiss, Qin Yinong held her close until she regained her balance before stepping out of the bathroom.

The shower ran for what seemed like ages—so long that Qin Yinong began worrying Tang Ruoyao had fallen asleep under the water. After calling twice with no response, she hesitated at the door just as the water stopped. Following rustling sounds, the door opened to reveal Tang Ruoyao wrapped in steam.

Their eyes met.

A person fresh out of the shower tends to view themselves through a filter, feeling that this is possibly the most beautiful moment of their day, and it's not entirely due to subjective visual beautification. Skin steamed by hot water appears rosy white, almost transparent against the light, radiating a lustrous glow like fine porcelain.

Qin Yinong instinctively reached out, fingertips brushing Tang Ruoyao's cheek to test if it truly felt as delicate as fine china. The touch proved not just smooth, but warm.

Tang Ruoyao blinked.

After stroking twice more, Qin Yinong withdrew her hand. "Let me dry your hair."

Seated cross-legged on the bed with damp hair cascading down her back, Tang Ruoyao nearly dozed off under the warm airflow and Qin Yinong's fingers combing through the cool strands. The moment Qin Yinong said "Done," she instantly fell asleep.

Qin Yinong tucked her hands and feet into the covers, tucked in the quilt, and then started to attend to her own matters. Guests never came to the house, the guest room was practically unused, and the study only had a sofa—leaving her own bedroom the obvious choice.

Before sleeping, she deliberately recalled her childhood, the period when Zhuo Peiyun was alive was the only time in her childhood without shadows—hoping it would bring peaceful dreams.

In a daze, she really gradually fell asleep. People who live alone for a long time are unaccustomed to sharing a bed with someone, and Qin Yinong was one of them. Mild anxiety made her extremely sensitive to movement, so when Tang Ruoyao suddenly turned over, wrapping her arms around Qin Yinong's waist and pulling her into a hug, Qin Yinong immediately woke up.

In her sleep, Tang Ruoyao smacked her lips and mumbled, "Baby."

Qin Yinong's wildly beating heart gradually calmed down, and she thought, amused: 'Who are you calling baby? Did she dream of having a baby?'

The corners of Tang Ruoyao's eyes curved slightly as she called out "baby" again, her voice tender and sweet enough to melt one's heart.

Qin Yinong found herself inexplicably responding before closing her eyes again, struggling to fall back asleep.

Tang Ruoyao radiated heat like a furnace against Qin Yinong's body. Fine beads of sweat formed on Qin Yinong's neck and forehead as she gently pushed at the girl's shoulder, only for Tang Ruoyao to cling tighter.

Unlike Qin Yinong, Tang Ruoyao seemed to have an automatic cooling system, her cool skin providing perfect comfort.

Qin Yinong's silk camisole nightgown made things all too convenient for Tang Ruoyao.

Biting her lip lightly, Qin Yinong stared at the ceiling in the dim light, her senses magnified as her consciousness surrendered to her lover's warmth—yielding, then taking initiative. Tang Ruoyao slept like a log, completely unaware of what was happening.

......

The bathroom light flicked on as shower water ran late into the night.

Changed into a robe, Qin Yinong sat in the armchair by the window. The heavy curtains were drawn back, sheer white drapes fluttering as she turned pages of her script under a small lamp.

She remained until dawn's light appeared, then closed the curtains and returned to bed.

Tang Ruoyao's eyelashes fluttered before her eyes slowly opened.

She exhaled deeply.

She seemed to have had a dream last night. She couldn't remember the specifics, only that it made her heart race, so it must have been an exciting event.

Qin Yinong "woke up" at the same time.

"Good morning."

"Good morning."

Not one to laze in bed at Qin Yinong's place, Tang Ruoyao kissed her forehead and got up first.

New toiletries waited at the sink. As Tang Ruoyao brushed her teeth, she suddenly paused—catching a faint salty-metallic scent so subtle it nearly escaped notice.

After inspecting the entire bathroom, she was shocked to trace it to her own middle finger.

Tang Ruoyao figured she might have accidentally touched something and carefully washed her hand with hand soap, not giving it much thought.

Having stayed awake all night, Qin Yinong collapsed into bed after seeing Tang Ruoyao off for her daytime schedule.

Three days later, Tang Ruoyao joined a new film shoot at a southern studio where Wen Shuxian and Fu Yujun were also working. The trio reunited and posted photos on Weibo.

With Fu Yujun's drama from last year still unaired, Tang Ruoyao currently had the most visibility among them. The unedited, filter-free photos earned her a record 208 comments.

A fan asked: [The other two girls are gorgeous too—can we know their names?]

Tang Ruoyao replied: [My roommates @WenShuxian @FuYujun]

Thus, Dorm 405 gained its first group fans.

The day before her own filming started, Qin Yinong visited her studio.

She ran straight into An Ling, who was rushing out.

Without even offering coffee, An Ling said hurriedly, "Make it quick."

Qin Yinong got straight to the point: "Help me clarify the rumors."

Five minutes later.

An Ling's secretary brought in two cups of coffee, placing them on the coffee table before the two bosses before exiting and closing the door behind her.

Qin Yinong asked, "Weren't you supposed to be out handling business?"

An Ling replied, "What could be more important than this?" Beyond her delight, she couldn't help but wonder, "No matter how much I tried to persuade you before, you wouldn't listen. Why the sudden change of heart now?"

Qin Yinong took a sip of coffee and said calmly, "I don't want to drag others down."

A spark of curiosity lit up in An Ling's eyes. "Others being...?"

Qin Yinong had no reason to hide it. "I'm in a relationship."

An Ling's expression showed she'd expected as much.

"Also, I need to report something to you," Qin Yinong continued. "My sister has returned to the country and will be joining P University as a professor after summer break. She looks very much like me, so our relationship probably won't stay hidden for long."

"Your sister? Biological sister?" An Ling took the phone Qin Yinong handed her. The screen displayed Qin Lunong, whose figure was quite similar to Qin Yinong's, with nearly identical facial features.

"Yes."

Last time when Qin Lunong returned from P University and mentioned being mistaken for her sister, Qin Yinong had been considering how to minimize the potential harm to Qin Lunong. She would never let Qin Lunong face public scrutiny alone. Later, with Tang Ruoyao entering her life, even though rumors about herself continued to spread unchecked, Tang Ruoyao—being in the honeym0on phase of their relationship—might not mind now, but that didn't guarantee she wouldn't in the future. Qin Yinong couldn't afford to plant such seeds of discord.

"I'll be secluded on set filming for the next three months. No matter what methods you use, even if it means redirecting all the media focus back onto me—let them attack me all they want—just help me clarify these baseless accusations."

An Ling: "..."

She should have known. Qin Yinong would never properly address this issue head-on. She'd rather make a swift, decisive move, even if it meant suffering greater losses herself.

Avoiding a direct answer, An Ling asked, "Could you provide me with detailed information about your sister?"

Qin Yinong grew wary. "Why do you need that?"

An Ling explained, "As your immediate family member and with her status as an intellectual, it could actually help with your clarification efforts."

Qin Yinong refused, "No need. Don't involve her in this."

An Ling countered, "It's not about me involving her. Once this comes to light, even if you don't want her dragged into it, netizens will dig her up anyway. Should we take the initiative, or wait until they've scraped every last detail about your sister?"

Returning the phone, An Ling added, "Also, I'll need information about your boyfriend."

Qin Yinong abruptly corrected, "Girlfriend."

An Ling remained unfazed. "Oh, then your girlfriend's information, please."

Qin Yinong almost boastfully showed her a photo first. 

An Ling: "..." 

Now she understood why Qin Yinong was in such a hurry to clear things up. That delicate, radiant young girl was enough to melt anyone's heart—who wouldn't want to protect such a treasure?

After briefing An Ling, Qin Yinong also went into seclusion for filming. She traveled to Dunhuang for location shoots, cutting off almost all contact with the outside world except for occasional WeChat messages and calls with Tang Ruoyao and Qin Lunong. She remained completely unaware of online developments.

The director for Qin Yinong's current project was Cheng Jiulan, a young up-and-coming filmmaker. Cheng Jiulan wasn't particularly famous yet, and under normal circumstances, wouldn't have been able to secure a star of Qin Yinong's caliber. But Qin Yinong wasn't just an actress—she was also a business-savvy investor who recognized Cheng Jiulan's potential. Having already signed him to her studio, she saw this as a worthwhile investment.

Every time Qin Yinong starts a new film project, she inevitably gets pushed onto the trending lists—whether by design or accident. Collaborators get scrutinized repeatedly, marketing accounts dig for gossip, and netizens eagerly consume the drama, adding fresh fodder for idle chatter.

Unfortunately, director Cheng Jiulan happens to be moderately attractive—handsome by ordinary standards. So this time, the rumor mill spun tales of Qin Yinong "keeping" a young director, lowering her standards for love by starring in a rookie director's film. The stories were vivid and detailed.

Not that this was anything new. Weibo, forums, and gossip groups had long spun romantic narratives about her with impun!ty. Eventually... Qin Yinong's studio issued a clarification: they were merely professional collaborators. Cheng Jiulan, whose newly verified Weibo account revealed he was married with two adorable daughters, warned that legal action would follow if anyone continued defaming him or slandering his wife.

Although netizens were often misled and easily swayed, most felt bored in the face of such a swift response and undeniable statement. With nothing to criticize, they dropped the matter.

Half a month later, when old rumors resurfaced about Qin Yinong and a past male co-star, her studio struck back with a lawsuit for defamation and infringement of reputation, targeting the tabloid outlet behind the claims—including their previous fabrications.

Six months later, the court ruled in Qin Yinong's favor, ordering the tabloid to pay substantial compensation and issue a pinned apology for three months. But that's another story.

Tang Ruoyao didn't bother with online gossip—Wen Shuxian, her ever-eager informant, kept her updated anyway.

Today, someone had "kicked the iron plate" that was her wife, tomorrow, another would receive a legal notice. Under An Ling's command, the studio employed thunderous tactics, changing its previously laissez-faire attitude. They sued anyone who spread rumors, completely disregarding the huge consumption of human, material, and financial resources. For a while, the internet was in an uproar, and with fewer attention-grabbing marketing accounts, the average three-year-old IQ netizens quieted down considerably.

At the same time, dissatisfied voices emerged:

[Why can we talk about other celebrities, but not her? Think you're Voldemort or something?]

[Shh... She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named ]

[Celebrities are celebrities, meant for entertainment! Entertaining the public is your duty!]

[Without the traffic from netizens, just wait to flop.] This comment, being perfectly stup!d, made it impossible to tell if it was genuinely foolish or sarcasm.

Tang Ruoyao browsed the internet for a while, feeling a tightness in her chest. That evening, she called Qin Yinong.

"Is it because of me?"

"What?"

"Those clarifications." In Tang Ruoyao's memory, Qin Yinong had never defended herself, she had always accepted all the mud slung at her.

Qin Yinong walked to the balcony of her hotel room, pulled back the curtains, and let the moonlight shine on her face. Her voice was as gentle as the moonlight: "Do you think so?"

Tang Ruoyao answered slowly, "Yes."

Qin Yinong laughed. "It is. But not just because of you."

"Your sister too?"

"How did you know?" This time, Qin Yinong sounded genuinely surprised.

"I guessed."

"Good guess. She's going to teach at the university next semester, and I'm afraid she'll be attacked because of me." Qin Yinong's tone gentled further. "Same for you. Eventually, our relationship will come out. I won't let anyone say you chose poorly or... defile you with ugly words."

Tang Ruoyao sat in the chair, her eyes lowered as she gazed at the glass of water on the table. "What about you?"

"What?" Qin Yinong didn't understand.

Tang Ruoyao said, "If it weren't for us, would you not care at all?"

Qin Yinong's slender, pale fingers resting on the aluminum window sill tightened slightly.

Tang Ruoyao pressed, "Tell me the truth, yes or no?"

Qin Yinong exhaled softly. "Yes."

Tang Ruoyao asked again, "Were all the sc@ndals about you since your debut just slander?"

Qin Yinong remained silent for a long time before responding, "If I tell you, will you believe me?"

"If you say it, I'll believe you." The voice coming through the receiver was slightly distorted, but the conviction in it was unmistakable.

Tang Ruoyao waited even longer, until finally, a reply came. "Yes." The woman's voice was steady. "Since my debut, I've never relied on any underhanded deals, nor have I had any inappropriate relationships. I've climbed to where I am today step by step on my own. Do you... believe me?"

A faint tremor laced her words.

"I believe you," Tang Ruoyao answered without hesitation. "Why wouldn't I? You're my girlfriend. If I don't trust you, who else should I trust—those baseless rumors?"

The frown that had unknowingly formed on Qin Yinong's brow relaxed, and she chuckled. "I've noticed you can be quite unreasonable sometimes."

Tang Ruoyao laughed in return, her voice dripping with sweetness. "You're my only reason."

Qin Yinong didn't fully believe her—after all, the hormones of a passionate romance could blind anyone—but in this moment, Tang Ruoyao's unconditional trust was enough to give her solace in the long journey of her life.

Suddenly, Tang Ruoyao murmured with a touch of melancholy, "I regret asking you today."

"Why?"

"Otherwise, I could hug you right now."

"You can still hug me now."

"Did you secretly come to visit me on set?" Tang Ruoyao exclaimed excitedly.

Hearing the sound of running on the other end, Qin Yinong laughed. "I'm filming right now. I'll come see you after we wrap." She then asked, "Can you see the moon from where you are?"

"Let me check." Tang Ruoyao rushed to the window and pulled back the curtain with one hand. A full moon hung in the boundless night sky.

"Yes." she said.

Gazing at the bright white orb over Dunhuang, Qin Yinong whispered, "Then... hug the moon for me."

With the romantic innocence unique to artists, Tang Ruoyao did exactly as she was told. She put the phone on speaker, carefully adjusted her angle, and from below, embraced the moon in her arms.

"I hugged it."

"I can feel it," Qin Yinong said. "Your embrace is so warm. Why do I suddenly feel sleepy?"

In a bewitching tone, Tang Ruoyao teased, "Because I've laced my arms with a sleeping potion. Now that you've fallen into my hands, you'll never escape."

Qin Yinong burst into clear, ringing laughter.

Letting go of the moon, Tang Ruoyao asked seriously, "When do you wrap filming?"

"Expected in three months, but it might be sooner. If I finish before you, I'll come find you."

"Okay."

Tang Ruoyao had to review her script, so after a few more words, they ended the call.

Qin Yinong absentmindedly stroked her phone long after hanging up before finally setting it aside.

The filming progress on Qin Yinong's end was promising. Director Cheng Jiulan was exceptionally talented, and after an initial adjustment period, the collaboration between the brilliant director and the outstanding actress became seamless.

Qin Yinong immersed herself entirely in the world of the film, shutting out everything else as days passed with the rising and setting sun. With her leading by example, the rest of the cast poured their utmost effort into the production.

The filming wrapped up a week ahead of schedule. The crew held a wrap party locally, which lasted until the early hours of the morning. Qin Yinong took the earliest flight back to the capital.

Tang Ruoyao's crew was also currently in the capital and would soon wrap up filming.

Qin Yinong's film crew kept a low profile, with none of the actors being social media celebrities. They posted a few wrap-up photos on their Weibo accounts, receiving congratulatory comments from fans without sparking much discussion. Qin Yinong herself didn't post at all. After returning to Beijing, she didn't take on any public appearances. She went home to sleep and recharge, planning to give Tang Ruoyao a surprise.

Tang Ruoyao circled the date of Qin Yinong's wrap-up on her calendar with a red pen. As the date drew nearer, she counted on her fingers, feeling the chances of Qin Yinong coming to see her grow slimmer.

The night before the scheduled wrap-up, Tang Ruoyao called Qin Yinong: "When are you coming back?" She had already given up hope that Qin Yinong would finish earlier than her. Since today was already over, at best they would wrap up at the same time. She just wanted to see her sooner.

Qin Yinong reached for some fruit from the plate Qin Lunong was holding, only for her sister to pull it away with a smirk. Pouting at her, Qin Yinong made up an excuse: "The shooting here isn't going smoothly. I think it'll take another three months."

"Three months?" Tang Ruoyao was stunned. "Wasn't the whole schedule just three months?"

Qin Yinong explained, "You know how filmmaking is—unexpected things happen all the time. Last time, some equipment got stolen, and we lost all the footage we'd shot. Reshooting took a whole month."

Tang Ruoyao didn't doubt her and anxiously asked, "Why didn't you tell me? Are you okay?"

Qin Yinong soothed her gently, "I didn't want you to worry. Don't worry, I'm fine, really."

Beside her, Qin Lunong rolled her eyes so hard they nearly disappeared.

Tang Ruoyao pleaded softly, "Then can I come to Dunhuang to see you?"

Qin Yinong, like a sly fox, said, "No, it's too crowded here, and we're deep in the desert. You might get lost alone. Besides, don't you have school? You've already missed a month—you need to catch up. Be good, and see you during winter break"

Tang Ruoyao was on the verge of tears.

After finishing the call, thoroughly satisfied, Qin Yinong was met with another eye roll from her sister.

Qin Lunong raised an eyebrow. "Having fun teasing the kid?"

Qin Yinong swiftly snatched a freshly washed strawberry from the plate in front of her sister and popped it into her mouth. The strawberry was large and red, and as she bit into it, the sweet juice made her squint with pleasure. "Yeah, it's quite fun."

Noticing Qin Lunong's expression, she smirked. "What? Jealous?"

Qin Lunong tossed her long hair. "Me? Jealous? You have no idea how many people are chasing after me at school. I just don't give them the time of day."

Qin Yinong clasped her hands in mock admiration. "Impressive."

Qin Lunong gave her a meaningful look and chuckled. "I'm just reminding you not to push it too far. Even a rabbit will bite when cornered."

"She wouldn't dare bite me." Qin Yinong declared confidently.

Qin Lunong sighed. "...With that IQ of yours, conversation is basically pointless."

"At least I'm not doomed to be alone like someone with high IQ." Qin Yinong shot back.

Qin Lunong shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, at least I won't be the one needing back support when I walk later." She stood up and carried the strawberries back to her room.

Qin Yinong called after her, "Hey, leave me some! You stingy!"

Author's Note:

Even in the extras, Teacher Qin remains an iceberg melting at a crazy pace.

Qin Yinong, Tang Ruoyao is in position—are all the audience members ready?

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