CHAPTER 262: Qin & Tang Extra 36

Qin Yinong weighed the thick love letter in her hand, as if afraid of startling her, and asked softly, "How long did it take you to write this?"

Tang Ruoyao instinctively lowered her head in denial. "Not long."

Qin Yinong's heart ached slightly.

She gently lifted Tang Ruoyao's chin with her finger and pressed tenderly, "How long is 'not long'?"

Tang Ruoyao lowered her gaze, not daring to meet her eyes, and mumbled, "Just... two or three days." By the dates, it was indeed only two or three days—she'd only returned to school on Tuesday—but she'd spent nearly all her free time writing it, even dreaming about unfinished letters or Qin Yinong disliking it.

Qin Yinong set the letter aside carefully, then took Tang Ruoyao's right hand, massaging her wrist and the joints of her middle and index fingers. As expected, she heard Tang Ruoyao's barely audible hiss of pain as the younger woman bit her lower lip.

Qin Yinong lightened her touch. "Does it hurt?"

Tang Ruoyao shook her head.

"A few days ago when I was chatting with my sister, she boasted that you tell me everything, that you don't hide things." Qin Yinong sighed.

Tang Ruoyao changed her answer: "A little." She guided Qin Yinong's hand slightly lower, pressing the first joint and base of her middle finger, whispering, "Here." After a pause, she added even more quietly, "It can still be used, don't worry."

Qin Yinong realized what she meant and didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"Even in this state, you're still thinking about that."

"I didn't—" Tang Ruoyao started to deny, but stopping herself when she realized that would imply Qin Yinong was the one thinking it. "Yes, that's what I was thinking."

Qin Yinong flicked her forehead playfully—more a gesture of affection than any real force.

Sensing this, Tang Ruoyao's unease temporarily faded, her metaphorical tail wagging as she asked sweetly, "So... do you like the gift I gave you?"

Qin Yinong didn't tease her this time, nodding earnestly. "I do."

She added, "This is the first time I've received such a heartfelt love letter."

A lover's sharp intuition let Tang Ruoyao catch the implication. Her voice turned slightly sour. "Just how many love letters have you received before? What were they like?"

Qin Yinong shrugged. "School days stuff. I've forgotten." She countered, "What about you?"

Tang Ruoyao mirrored her shrug. "School days stuff. I've forgotten."

Qin Yinong smirked. "Aren't you still in school? If I remember correctly, excluding letters, you've received fourteen face-to-face confessions in one month."

Tang Ruoyao, who had dug her own grave: "..."

"That..." Her eyes darted about nervously as she hurried to clarify, "I rejected them all! And I always keep my distance!"

Qin Yinong suddenly sighed.

Tang Ruoyao's heart skipped a beat.

Qin Yinong sighed again. "What should I do? You're so wonderful, and I can't watch over you every moment. What if someone steals you away?"

"That won't happen!"

"Your school has so many handsome boys and pretty girls, all around your age. Peers naturally get along well together."

"I don't like peers. I only like older sisters."

"Then there are your professors—"

Tang Ruoyao interrupted: "I only like you."

Qin Yinong tapped her nose. "Remember those words. If you ever shift your affections elsewhere, I'll be very, very hurt."

Tang Ruoyao nodded vigorously.

"You can't fall for anyone else either." Compared to Qin Yinong's calm composure, Tang Ruoyao clearly lacked some confidence in her tone.

"I won't. No one else compares to you." Qin Yinong consciously shifted their conversational dynamic. Since Tang Ruoyao lacked security, she should take the more proactive role.

Tang Ruoyao opened her mouth but couldn't bring herself to shamelessly ask what exactly made her so special. Yet Qin Yinong's affirmation gave her immense encouragement—as long as Qin Yinong was willing to wait for her, she would eventually become worthy of her affection.

After chatting and kissing while cuddling on the sofa for a long time, Tang Ruoyao suddenly remembered Qin Yinong had just returned from work. "You should go shower and rest," she said remorsefully. "You must be exhausted after working all day."

Qin Yinong gazed at her with a smile, effortlessly delivering sweet words: "Seeing you makes all my tiredness disappear."

A suspicious blush spread across Tang Ruoyao's fair cheeks as she gently pushed Qin Yinong's shoulder. "Come on, let's go shower in the bedroom."

"Won't you join me?" Qin Yinong asked.

"Of course I will. Where else would I go?" Tang Ruoyao replied.

Qin Yinong wagged a finger, her red lips parting slightly. "I meant showering together."

Tang Ruoyao's ears turned crimson.

"L-let's go to the room first." she stammered.

Due to Little Rabbit Tang's excessive shyness, the goal of bathing together ultimately wasn't achieved. When Qin Yinong emerged from the shower wrapped only in a white towel, her voluptuous curves were accentuated, revealing delicate, pale collarbones still glistening with droplets of water in the light.

Tang Ruoyao had already prepared the hairdryer and dutifully dried Qin Yinong's hair as if serving a queen, then helped her into bed.

Under the covers, Qin Yinong's hand moved slightly before presenting a snow-white towel.

Tang Ruoyao swallowed hard before taking it and draping it over the sofa back.

"Come back quickly." Qin Yinong called lazily.

Tang Ruoyao froze mid-step before hurrying into the bathroom with lowered head.

Qin Yinong's unrestrained laughter followed behind her.

Tang Ruoyao nearly bumped into the glass shower door.

The lights remained off that night.

Qin Yinong clearly saw the fine beads of sweat on Tang Ruoyao's youthful face dripping onto her own cheek.

Cradling Tang Ruoyao's face, Qin Yinong tilted her head up for a kiss.

Their ragged breaths mingled until they became indistinguishable.

After nearly ten seconds of stillness, Qin Yinong's unfocused eyes flickered. Tang Ruoyao kissed her forehead, then gently brushed her lips. Qin Yinong nuzzled closer and closed her eyes again.

Before closing her eyes, she said, "Don't fall asleep."

Tang Ruoyao immediately opened her eyes wide: "Okay."

About ten minutes later.

Tang Ruoyao opened another big door entirely.

'Wow.'

After three rounds, Qin Yinong granted permission for Tang Ruoyao to sleep. But Tang Ruoyao first changed the sheets, wiped Qin Yinong down with a warm towel, aired out the room, then finally embraced her partner as they drifted into deep slumber.

Tang Ruoyao felt she was beginning to understand Qin Yinong's true needs, offering wake-up services the next morning.

Being a light sleeper after their nighttime activities, Qin Yinong awoke at Tang Ruoyao's slightest movement but kept her eyes closed to observe what sneaky plans the younger woman had in store.

The rest went unspoken.

She hadn't fully recovered even after finishing breakfast, her legs still weak at the memory. Tang Ruoyao's progress was astonishingly fast, and her natural talent was exceptional.

Qin Yinong suddenly understood why Lin Ruohan preferred dating women in their twenties—who wouldn't adore a young, beautiful, and energetic girl? She certainly was smitten.

As Tang Ruoyao cleared the dishes, Qin Yinong sat across from her, chin propped on her hand, gazing with the lovestruck expression of a teenage girl.

Though Tang Ruoyao was delighted by the attention, she felt slightly self-conscious. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Can't I?" came Qin Yinong's signature retort.

"You can, go ahead then." With a bashful wiggle, Tang Ruoyao retreated to the kitchen.

Since dating Tang Ruoyao, Qin Yinong rarely took weekend gigs. She scrolled through her contacts and texted Lin Ruohan: [Got a secret. Wanna hear?]

Lin Ruohan: [She's sleeping]

Qin Yinong: "..."

Ren Xingyue was making her presence known again—was that really necessary? As if everyone was after her girlfriend! That old cabbage Lin Ruohan wasn't even her type anyway!

Rubbing sleep from her eyes, Lin Ruohan found Ren Xingyue playing with her phone by the bed. "Any messages?" Her voice was hoarse from overuse.

"Qin Yinong texted."

"Let me see."

"Nothing urgent, reply later." Ren Xingyue placed the phone aside and slipped under the covers, pulling Lin Ruohan back into the tides of passion.

After their int!macy, Lin Ruohan lay against Ren Xingyue's arm and unlocked her phone. [What secret?]

Qin Yinong glanced at the wall clock: [11 AM. You're up early]

Lin Ruohan: [😊]

Qin Yinong: [😊]

Lin Ruohan: [???]

Qin Yinong: [Yep, exactly what you're thinking]

Lin Ruohan bolted upright and called immediately. Qin Yinong answered instantly. "Holy sh!t! You're dating?! You, a lifelong single, are actually no longer single?!"

"Mhm." Qin Yinong reached for Tang Ruoyao's hand, interlacing their fingers against her chest.

Lin Ruohan was dying of curiosity: "Who is it? Do I know her?"

"Probably not." Qin Yinong reconsidered—maybe she'd seen casting news online. "Or maybe."

"Someone in the industry?"

"Yep."

"An actress?"

"Yep."

"Older than you?"

"Nope."

"Don't tell me yet—let me guess." Lin Ruohan listed every young actress she could recall, even directing Ren Xingyue to search online for "Qin Yinong relationship rumors."

Qin Yinong denied each guess with growing amusement, her smile widening.

Lin Ruohan gave up: "Just tell me already."

Qin Yinong turned to a bewildered Tang Ruoyao and held the phone to her ear. "Say hi to Sister Lin."

With cool politeness, Tang Ruoyao greeted, "Sister Lin."

Lin Ruohan was momentarily speechless, breath caught in her throat.

Qin Yinong reclaimed the phone, laughing heartily.

Lin Ruohan shrieked, "Dinner! You're treating us to dinner—and bring your wife! Don't bother coming alone!"

Qin Yinong said, "Hold on about dinner. I remember Ren Xingyue has a concert these couple of days, right? Do you have tickets? Get me a few VIP ones."

Lin Ruohan frowned, "A few?" She lowered her voice, "Tell me the truth—how many people are you seeing?"

Qin Yinong explained, "Her roommate likes Ren Xingyue. I haven't treated her roommates to a meal yet, so I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone. You know how hard it is to get tickets for your girlfriend's concerts—I had to ask you."

She subtly flattered Lin Ruohan, who immediately beamed and waved her hand, "No problem! Do you want today's or tomorrow's?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Let me check first, I'll message you."

Lin Ruohan caught on and asked, "When did you start dating?"

Qin Yinong, who disliked lying, answered honestly, "About three or four months."

Lin Ruohan exclaimed, "And you're only telling me now?! You clearly don't value our friendship—you just want my concert tickets!"

Qin Yinong laughed, "Don't sweat the small details."

Tang Ruoyao heard Qin Yinong ask her to call Lin "sister" and mention Ren Xingyue, which gave her a 90% certainty about the other person's identity. After the call ended, she asked, "Was that Lin Ruohan?"

"Mm."

"So she and Ren Xingyue really are together?" Tang Ruoyao marveled. As part of the younger generation, she'd followed the gossip about them. Rumors had circulated for years that they were a couple—often spotted shopping together, dining with each other's families, even allegedly married abroad. The stories were detailed, but without official confirmation, even the juiciest gossip remained just gossip.

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow, "Why do you seem so happy hearing this?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "Same-sex relationships are still rare. Every new couple makes me feel a little less alone."

"There are actually quite a few," Qin Yinong pinched her slightly chubby chin and said, "How about I share some insider entertainment industry gossip? First-hand, guaranteed authentic."

Tang Ruoyao sat up straight, listening intently as her girlfriend dished industry secrets, occasionally gasping in shock.

The entertainment world truly was wild.

Overwhelmed by the flood of gossip, Tang Ruoyao raised a hand to stop her.

Qin Yinong said, "Ask your roommates when they're free—I'll treat them to dinner. If they're available this weekend, we can take them to the concert too."

Tang Ruoyao opened their dorm group chat.

Qin Yinong watched quietly before suddenly asking, "Can you add me to this group?"

Tang Ruoyao: "???"

Qin Yinong coughed, "Just kidding." She turned away awkwardly, "Go ahead and ask."

Tang Ruoyao studied her for a moment before typing: [Is everyone free this Saturday or Sunday night? My girlfriend wants to treat you all to dinner, plus we can go to Ren Xingyue's concert @everyone]

Wen Shuxian: [I MUST be free! And I MUST have those Ren Xingyue tickets!]

Cui Jiaran: [Count me in! Sister Xingyue, here I come!]

Fu Yujun: [Available]

Tang Ruoyao: [Saturday or Sunday?]

Wen and Cui immediately replied either was fine. Fu Yujun seemed to be pondering something before finally responding: [Saturday. We have class Monday—shouldn't stay out too late Sunday.]

Tang Ruoyao relayed the information to Qin Yinong, who messaged Lin Ruohan: [Six tickets for tonight]

Lin Ruohan replied: [I want a big feast!]

Qin Yinong: [Sure, I'll treat you soon.]

Familiar screams echoed from Room 405.

A female classmate walking down the hallway didn't even pause, completely unfazed by the commotion.

Wen Shuxian was known for her indiscriminate affection—she had crushes on everyone, with no less than a hundred "walls" she could climb. Ren Xingyue was both beautiful and talented, so naturally, Wen was one of her fangirls, often squealing, "Ahhh, I'm so into her!"

Cui Jiaran was a devoted fan in a more low-key way, quietly buying albums and merchandise.

As for Fu Yujun, she had no particular preferences—she simply admired all outstanding people. Since this was an opportunity not to be missed, she tagged along.

With Qin Yinong's connections, they were guaranteed backstage access. Wen and Cui excitedly picked out outfits, while Fu Yujun, who hadn't bothered dressing up, stood by with a smile, offering opinions on what looked good and what didn't.

At 4 p.m., Tang Ruoyao sent a photo of the tickets to their group chat.

[I'll pick you up for dinner first. Be at the school gate in half an hour. [Photo]]

Fu Yujun counted—there were six tickets.

[Who's the sixth one for?] she typed.

Tang Ruoyao replied: [Qin Yinong's assistant. The one you've met before—she takes her everywhere.]

The screech of a chair being pushed back abruptly cut through the room.

Wen Shuxian turned to see Fu Yujun suddenly leap up from her seat and rush to the wardrobe, rummaging through hangers with frantic energy.

Wen Shuxian: "???"

The casually thrown-on jacket was discarded. Fu Yujun grabbed a light green dress and disappeared into the bathroom. She carefully lined her brows, pulled out a lipstick, and applied it meticulously, pressing her lips together to perfect the shape.

Wen Shuxian was utterly baffled.

Fu Yujun's entire face now glowed at least two levels brighter. She picked up the brand-new bag she'd bought just days ago and, facing her stunned roommates, said calmly, "Let's go."

Wen Shuxian decided not to overthink it and snapped her jaw shut.

Guan Han, doubling as their driver, pulled up in a seven-seater SUV outside the school gates.

No one found it odd when Fu Yujun took the front passenger seat.

Among their dorm's four, Fu Yujun naturally took the lead due to her thoughtful nature. Since taxis couldn't fit four in the back, she was the designated front-seat occupant.

Fu Yujun glanced at Guan Han, whose white gloves exuded an air of restrained elegance, and greeted her politely, with controlled warmth, "Hello, Assistant Guan."

Guan Han nodded.

Fu Yujun then turned to Qin Yinong in the back seat, who smiled back at her.

Wen Shuxian, ever the social butterfly, started off reserved but quickly forgot all about Qin Yinong's status as an international film queen. She chattered nonstop, and Qin Yinong, eyes crinkling with amusement, responded warmly.

Wen Shuxian: "Our Tangtang is so lucky to have you as her girlfriend."

Qin Yinong glanced at Tang Ruoyao and chuckled. "No, I'm the lucky one."

Tang Ruoyao smiled shyly.

"Either way, you're both blessed," Wen said. "Unlike me—still single at twenty, never even held hands." She grinned. "Hey, Film Queen Qin, got anyone you could introduce to me?"

Qin Yinong asked seriously, "What kind of person are you looking for? Male or female?"

Wen, ever the joker, replied, "I'm not picky. Honestly, Assistant Guan seems great—does she have a partner? What do you think of me?"

This was the first time anyone had ever set their sights on Guan Han. Qin Yinong burst out laughing and called out, "Guan Han, what do you say?"

Guan Han didn't want to answer such trivial questions, but for the sake of appearances, she gave Qin Yinong some face and replied flatly, "Whatever Qin Jie decides is fine." If Qin Yinong dared to play matchmaker recklessly, she wouldn't hesitate to resign.

Qin Yinong's expression turned playful as she said, "My decision is..."

Suddenly, a voice interrupted her.

"Xiaowen, stop fooling around." Fu Yujun's tone was neither warm nor cold, standing out oddly amidst the lively atmosphere.

Wen Shuxian instinctively obeyed her, sticking out her tongue and saying, "I was just joking."

Qin Yinong glanced at Fu Yujun sitting upright in the front seat. She tilted her head slightly, catching sight of Fu Yujun's fingers clenched tightly around her handbag through the gap between the seats. Something flashed through her mind.

After a moment, she withdrew her gaze and smiled at Tang Ruoyao.

Taking advantage of her roommate's inattention, Tang Ruoyao secretly grasped her hand.

The car stopped at an elegant private restaurant with winding streams and floating wine cups. The place was adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, exuding an antique charm. As dusk fell, lanterns were lit along the corridors. Fu Yujun deliberately slowed her pace, walking alongside Guan Han at the rear.

She apologized softly, "Xiaowen can be immature. I'm sorry for her rudeness in the car earlier."

Guan Han's cool eyes swept over her face, taking 0.5 seconds to process the apology before replying indifferently, "It's fine." Considering Fu Yujun was Qin Yinong's important guest, Guan Han squeezed out another sentence like toothpaste, "I don't mind."

Fu Yujun pressed her thin lips together and said gently, "I'm glad you don't mind."

Why didn't she mind? In novels, the stoic types usually preferred noisy, talkative partners for contrast. Could she also be interested in Wen Shuxian?

In the blink of an eye, Fu Yujun fell two steps behind. Guan Han turned back, "Miss Fu?"

Tall and slender, her white pantsuit accentuated her slim waist and straight legs. As she turned under the corridor lanterns, the soft glow diminished her usual aloofness, adding a touch of gentleness.

Fu Yujun couldn't stop her racing heart and flushed cheeks. She quickened her pace to catch up, passing Guan Han in haste.

She had worn a long dress and high heels specifically to meet Guan Han today. Walking too fast, she accidentally stepped on uneven ground, twisting her ankle and losing balance.

With pillars on either side, Fu Yujun aimed to steady herself against one, but a pair of hands reached her faster. Warmth pressed against her back as an arm encircled her waist, making her heart skip a beat.

Amidst the faint scent of cold perfume—like pine branches in snow—Fu Yujun barely had time to react before being set firmly back on the ground. The warmth and the arm around her waist withdrew instantly. Guan Han stood a step away, her expression as unreadable as ever.

Fu Yujun's heart sank.

"Are you okay?" Even her concern lacked warmth.

Fu Yujun averted her gaze, testing her ankle carefully before saying, "It hurts a little. Might be sprained."

She noticed Guan Han's almost imperceptible frown.

"I can walk. It's fine." Fu Yujun quickly added.

The commotion drew attention from ahead. Qin Yinong walked back, glancing between them. "What happened?"

Guan Han reported, "Miss Fu sprained her ankle."

Fu Yujun hurriedly said, "It's not serious." She took a few steps in front of everyone, limping slightly but otherwise fine. "Just need to rest for a bit."

Wen Shuxian volunteered, "Let me help you walk."

Fu Yujun glanced subtly at Guan Han before turning back absentmindedly. "Thanks."

Wen Shuxian laughed. "Are you out of it? Since when do you thank me?"

Cui Jiaran also came forward to support her.

With the two of them flanking Fu Yujun, Guan Han once again fell to the back of the group.

Passing the gold-lacquered, enamel-inlaid screen, the group entered and took their seats around the round table. Qin Yinong played host while Wen Shuxian and the others shamelessly ordered only the most expensive dishes without hesitation. They'd only been to such an extravagant place once in their lives and might never get another chance—how could they not make the most of it?

Tang Ruoyao watched the waiter taking their order, whose smile grew increasingly radiant, and couldn't help speaking up: "There's just a few of us—shouldn't this be enough food?"

Wen Shuxian had been waiting for this. She immediately teased, "Not even married yet and already trying to save money for her."

Tang Ruoyao flushed with embarrassment.

Qin Yinong smoothed things over with a smile: "Yaoyao's just worried you'll eat too much now and have no room for supper later."

Wen Shuxian gasped: "There's supper too?!"

Qin Yinong said, "After the concert would be perfect for supper. Then you can decide where else you'd like to go—my treat."

Wen Shuxian immediately closed the menu: "Alright, that's enough then."

The waiter acknowledged and left.

Wen Shuxian, who talked the most, quickly grew thirsty. The tea here was top-notch, leaving a lingering fragrance on the palate. After downing a cup in one go, she reached for the teapot—only for another slender, pale hand to lift the purple clay pot first, pouring clear amber tea into her cup. When Wen Shuxian looked up at the hand's owner, she nearly dropped to her knees.

"F-F-Film Queen Qin!" She stood up immediately. "I can serve myself, no need to trouble you."

Qin Yinong insisted on filling her cup, saying, "Yaoyao's the youngest in your dorm. After we marry, by seniority I should actually call you sisters."

Half-joking as she was, Wen Shuxian dared not take it seriously—this would shorten her lifespan!

Qin Yinong added with a smile, "If you don't mind, you could call me sister instead."

Tang Ruoyao's smile froze as she subtly tugged Qin Yinong's wrist under the table. Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow in question, prompting Tang Ruoyao to suggest aloud: "I think they'd feel awkward calling you sister too. How about 'Teacher Qin' instead?"

Wen Shuxian nodded vigorously: "Yes yes, Teacher Qin is perfect."

Qin Yinong laughed: "That works too. Just not 'Film Queen Qin'—too formal."

As Qin Yinong sat down, Tang Ruoyao shot her a furious glare.

Just how many little sisters do you want to acquire?

Qin Yinong looked back, completely puzzled.

When the first dish arrived, Wen Shuxian said, "Teacher Qin, please."

Qin Yinong first placed a piece of fish in Tang Ruoyao's bowl before the others began eating.

Wen Shuxian had ordered a small jar of Shaoxing Nü'er Hong [Daughter's Red] wine—she'd never tasted the authentic version before. The others also sampled it out of curiosity. The amber liquor shimmered gorgeously, mellow and smooth with a potent aftertaste.

Tang Ruoyao, being a lightweight who turned wild when drunk, was closely monitored by Qin Yinong—only letting her moisten her lips before taking away her wine glass and giving her tea instead.

The dinner proceeded harmoniously with lively conversation.

Guan Han ate quietly with her chopsticks, her composed dining making her nearly invisible amidst the boisterous table.

Fu Yujun asked, "Assistant Guan, not trying the wine? It's excellent."

Without looking up, Guan Han replied, "I'm driving."

Author's Note:

Fu Yujun: Come on! Run those wheels right over my face!

Qin "Collecting Little Sisters" Yinong will be making Tang Ruoyao drink endless amount of water when they get home—eighty-one cups total. The more comments, the more Sister Qin's "water" flows~

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