CHAPTER 265: Qin & Tang Extra 39

Tang Ruoyao stood by, watching the sisters chat, her gaze always lingering tenderly on Qin Yinong.

Qin Lunong could only tease Qin Yinong verbally. If she went any further, the emotional toll of being single would outweigh the joy of banter. So she wisely ended the conversation, saying, "Mom's cooking in the kitchen. Take Xiaotang over to say hello."

Qin Yinong said grumpily, "I know."

Qin Lunong smiled and added, "Take your time walking. Your health comes first."

Qin Yinong turned back, picked up the watering can from the ground, poured a bit of water into her palm, and flicked it unexpectedly at Qin Lunong. Qin Lunong was hit squarely, wiping her face as she watched Qin Yinong flee like a streak of lightning.

Qin Yinong dashed to the doorway, turned around, planted her hands on her hips, and burst into laughter. "Hahahaha!"

Qin Lunong wore an expression that said, "Where did this idiot come from?"

Qin Lunong pretended to chase her, and Qin Yinong swiftly slipped inside the door.

Tang Ruoyao, holding Qin Yinong's coat over her arm, stifled a laugh as she followed.

As she passed Qin Lunong, the latter said, "You've had a hard time."

Tang Ruoyao smiled. "Not at all. She's adorable."

Qin Lunong studied her for a few seconds before suddenly remarking, "I understand that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but I think indulging too much isn't good either. Don't you agree?"

As the future sister-in-law, Tang Ruoyao knew there was no reason not to listen to her advice. Even though Qin Yinong was the one who initiated it, all the blame now fell on Tang Ruoyao for her lack of self-control and her blind obedience to Qin Yinong. With utmost respect, Tang Ruoyao replied, "You're absolutely right, Sister Lu."

Qin Lunong gave a faint hum and waved her hand. "Go on in."

Tang Ruoyao nodded to her, then turned and stepped through the door.

After greeting the others in the kitchen, Tang Ruoyao found Qin Yinong holding onto Ningning's clothes from behind as the toddler wobbled unsteadily, learning to walk. Every time Ningning was about to fall, Qin Yinong would tighten her grip and lift her back up in time.

Qin Yinong glanced over at her. "I thought I heard whispering outside earlier. What did my sister say to you?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Nothing much. Just advised us to exercise moderation."

Qin Yinong scoffed. "She's just jealous."

Tang Ruoyao considered it seriously and said, "No, I think she has a point. Look at how uncomfortable you are walking today. So maybe we should..."

Her words trailed off under Qin Yinong's intense gaze.

Qin Yinong said, "Come here. I need to talk to you about something."

Tang Ruoyao walked over, pausing to pat the little one's head. Ningning looked up at her and flashed a bright, four-toothed grin. Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but smile back.

Qin Yinong placed the child on the sofa, handing her a toy ball. Ningning sat quietly, playing with it on her own.

Qin Yinong said, "We only get two days together a week. Seven days a week, twice a night makes fourteen times. Split over two days, that's seven times a day. And that's not even counting the three months you were away filming. You owe me a lot."

"..." Tang Ruoyao said, "I was just worried you couldn't handle it."

Qin Yinong smirked. "You should worry about yourself instead."

Tang Ruoyao muttered under her breath, "It's not like you're the one doing anything to me. What do I have to worry about?"

"What did you say?"

"Nothing." Tang Ruoyao raised her head, flashing a bright smile with her pearly white teeth. "I'll make sure to exercise more." This way, she would be able to satisfy any of Qin Yinong's requests.

"Good to know." Qin Yinong pulled the little one closer and continued walking with her, saying, "Regardless of this matter, remember that your health comes first. If you don't take care of it when you're young, you'll suffer when you're older."

Tang Ruoyao's expression softened slightly, seizing the moment to press further: "Then, can you stop drinking?"

"Hmm?"

As soon as the woman looked at her, Tang Ruoyao's heart grew a little more anxious, and her words became careful and indirect. "I mean, at home, can you drink a little less? Is that okay?"

Qin Yinong's gaze lingered for a few seconds, then she said in a casual tone, "Sure."

Tang Ruoyao had wanted to bring this up for a while but hesitated, worried that asking her to change so soon after getting together might seem like dissatisfaction. She hadn't expected Qin Yinong to agree so easily. Disbelieving, Tang Ruoyao asked, "Really?"

Qin Yinong smiled. "Why would I lie? I don't even like drinking."

"Then why did you—"

"I used to have trouble sleeping, so I'd drink a little to help."

"And now?"

"It's better now." Qin Yinong smiled. "Thanks to you."

Being needed was the best affirmation a lover could receive. Warmth flooded Tang Ruoyao's entire being, beyond words. She stepped forward and hugged Qin Yinong, who returned the embrace with one arm.

Ningning took a step forward but was abruptly halted by the grip on her back, unable to move.

She strained with all her might but remained stuck in place.

A pair of hands freed her from the restraint. Qin Lunong lifted Ningning into her arms, covering her eyes as she said, "Not suitable for children."

The tender moment was instantly shattered.

Qin Yinong retorted, "Who's not suitable for children?"

Qin Lunong grinned. "Whoever responds is the one."

Tang Ruoyao immediately distanced herself from the center of the conflict, acting as if it had nothing to do with her.

Tang Ruoyao's love life was so smooth it often felt like a dream. Her urgent desire for growth had also yielded satisfying results.

After returning to school, on a Tuesday, not only Dorm 405 but the entire first class of the Performance Department was buzzing.

The "Golden Rose Awards," one of the "Three Golden Awards" in China, announced this year's nominees. Tang Ruoyao was on the list, successfully nominated for Best Newcomer for Rouge. The Best Actress category was a battle of deities. Wen Shuxian boasted loudly in the dorm, saying shamelessly, "I think Tangtang could totally be nominated for Best Actress and win it in one fell swoop, becoming a top actress right after her debut."

Cui Jiaran rolled her eyes beside her.

Fu Yujun added, "I think you could debut and win Best TV Actress too."

Wen Shuxian laughed heartily, clasping her hands in mock modesty. "I know my limits—no need to jinx me."

She glanced at the empty seat in the front left and asked, "Where's Tangtang?"

Cui Jiaran replied, "Isn't it obvious? She's probably calling her girlfriend to share the good news."

Tang Ruoyao stared at the ground, her pajama hem crumpled in her grip. The dial tone droned on in her ear. Just as she was about to bore a hole through the tiles with her gaze, the call connected.

Qin Yinong's gentle voice came through. "Hello?"

Background noise buzzed chaotically. Tang Ruoyao asked, "Am I interrupting something important?"

Qin Yinong said, "No, I'm just out eating with some people. Wait for me to find a quiet place."

She covered the microphone to prevent Tang Ruoyao from hearing the toasts and teasing at the table. Stepping out of the private room, Guan Han followed with her coat in hand.

At the end of the hallway, a window was open. The cold breeze helped sober Qin Yinong up a little. She pinched the bridge of her nose, then released the microphone and asked with a soft laugh, "What's wrong? Miss me?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "I have good news to tell you."

"Don't rush the good news," Qin Yinong teased. "Answer my question first—did you miss me?"

Tang Ruoyao gave a quiet hum.

Qin Yinong's laugh was light. "I can't hear you."

Biting her lip, Tang Ruoyao whispered, "Yes."

Qin Yinong pressed, "Say it properly. Miss what?"

After a brief pause, Tang Ruoyao murmured, "I miss you."

Just then, a classmate carrying a thermos passed by. Hearing her words, the classmate shot her a surprised look. Tang Ruoyao's face instantly burned, and she bumped into the wall behind her, hurriedly covering her face with her hand.

The classmate chuckled and walked away.

Tang Ruoyao grumbled in a low voice, "It's all your fault. Someone heard what I just said."

"Is it so embarrassing for them to hear it?"

"...No."

"Then why hide it? You do miss me—'A day without you is like three autumns." Qin Yinong, a bit tipsy, impulsively blurted out, "I'll come to your school to pick you up later."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Qin Yinong sobered up slightly and awkwardly added, "Just kidding."

After a few more sweet nothings, Tang Ruoyao finally got to the point. "The reason I called is to tell you—I've been nominated for Best Newcomer at this year's Golden Rose Awards."

"Not Best Actress?"

"...No."

"Tsk, the judging committee has no taste."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help laughing. "You sound just like Wen Shuxian—your bias is unreal."

"I only show bias for you."

Tang Ruoyao hesitated before asking, "There's something else I wanted to ask you."

"What is it?"

"Will you be attending this awards ceremony?" Qin Yinong didn't have any films nominated this year, but given her stature, many organizers practically begged her to attend—though she didn't always show up.

"I will. The Golden Rose Awards chair invited me as a presenter, and I've already agreed. I didn't know you'd be nominated, so I didn't mention it earlier."

Holding onto a sliver of hope, Tang Ruoyao pressed, "Which award are you presenting?"

A few seconds later, Qin Yinong's slightly regretful voice came through. "Best Actress. Sorry, if I'd known earlier, I would've—"

"You don't need to apologize," Tang Ruoyao interrupted. "If I can't share the stage with you, it just means I haven't worked hard enough. Sooner or later, I'll earn my way onto the same podium as you."

"I'll be waiting. Achoo!" Qin Yinong tightened her coat around her. "I should head back now. Get some rest."

"Don't drink too much." Tang Ruoyao reminded her.

"I know."

Leaving the drafty hallway, Qin Yinong's forehead was chilled, and a dull ache pulsed in her temples. She pressed a hand to her head before pushing open the door to the private room again.

The lively atmosphere enveloped her.

"Miss Qin took so long coming back—she has to punish herself with three drinks!"

Without hesitation, Qin Yinong raised her glass and downed it in one go, drawing cheers from the crowd.

Setting the glass down, a natural allure flickered in her eyes as she coaxed with a sultry smile, "If I drink three, you all can't drink fewer than me, right?"

......

Guan Han brought out the hangover tea from the kitchen just as the sounds of retching from the bathroom ceased, followed by the flush of the toilet and the running of the faucet. Qin Yinong washed her face and hands before emerging, taking a sip of the steaming tea. The warmth spread through her limbs.

It was already past midnight.

Qin Yinong asked Guan Han, "Would you like to stay here for the night?"

Guan Han refused without hesitation, "I'll come back tomorrow morning."

Holding the teacup with both hands, Qin Yinong suddenly said, "Guan Han, can I ask you a question?"

Guan Han didn't respond verbally, but her expression indicated she was open to it.

Qin Yinong looked at her with concern and asked, "Have you ever been in a relationship?"

Guan Han: "..."

Though Qin Yinong was her boss, that didn't mean she could pry into her personal life. Seeing her reluctance to answer, Qin Yinong quickly added, "It's fine, just a casual question. You don't have to answer."

After a brief moment of hesitation, Guan Han replied, "Yes."

"With a man or a woman?"

"A man."

"When?"

"Do I get paid extra for this?" Guan Han said with dry humor.

Qin Yinong laughed. "Consider it added." So gossiping about those around her could be this amusing.

Guan Han's expression remained as still as stagnant water as she said flatly, "When I was a teenager, I dated a junior. Later, he cheated, and I beat him up."

Qin Yinong: "And then?"

Guan Han remained impassive. "There's no 'and then.' Remember to pay me extra. If there's nothing else, I'm going back."

Qin Yinong: "...Bye."

Guan Han picked up her bag from the sofa, opened the door, and left.

Qin Yinong took a shower and lay in bed, pulling up her chat with Tang Ruoyao on WeChat.

Their conversation history lay quietly on the screen.

At eleven, Tang Ruoyao had sent her a "Good night." Qin Yinong replied at 11:10, saying she was going to sleep too. Qin Yinong typed out what she wanted to say but didn't send it, returning to the home screen instead before closing her eyes.

Accustomed to sharing a bed with someone, the night felt especially empty alone. The chirping of insects from the grass outside pierced through the darkness, and the sound of her heartbeat pounded heavily against her veins like a drum.

Qin Yinong shifted from lying on her back to her side, then sat up abruptly.

She left the bedroom and dragged her weary steps to the wine cabinet, pulling out a bottle. As she inserted the corkscrew, her dull eyes suddenly flickered to life, and she slowly set the opener down.

Moonlight spilled into the dining room, where a bottle of red wine stood silently on the table.

Qin Yinong returned to her room and drew open the curtains, allowing the moonlight to filter through the sheer white fabric, casting dappled shadows on the floor. She watched the shifting patterns before slowly closing her eyes.

The dreams that followed were as exhausting as ever. When she woke, she stared blankly at the dim morning light, the echoes of sharp curses lingering in her ears.

Tang Ruoyao, an early riser, sent her daily message at 6:30 sharp.

[Good morning, I'm up.]

Qin Yinong tapped into the chat and replied.

[I asked Guan Han yesterday. She's been in a relationship before—with a guy. He cheated, so she beat him up and broke up with him. She might be strictly straight. Tell your roommate to reconsider.]

Tang Ruoyao responded with a string of: [Hahahahaha]

Like a flower withering at night that suddenly revives with nourishment, Qin Yinong perked up immediately. She sat up against the headboard, a faint smile playing on her lips as she typed: [Shouldn't you at least pretend to sympathize with your roommate?]

Tang Ruoyao: [I'm not, I just imagined a scenario in my head. As expected of Assistant Guan, I'm not surprised at all.]

Qin Yinong: [Me neither.]

Tang Ruoyao: [I'm going to brush my teeth first, I'll talk to you later.]

Qin Yinong also went to brush her teeth and wash up, as if doing so could create the illusion that the two of them were living together.

Dormitory 405 gradually woke up in the morning light.

Tang Ruoyao was the first to finish washing up and stepped out of the bathroom, followed closely by Fu Yujun. Leaning against the doorframe, Tang Ruoyao quietly relayed what Qin Yinong had told her. Fu Yujun's fingers tightened slightly around her electric toothbrush as she asked, "So she's single now?"

Tang Ruoyao: "...If that's how you want to interpret it, sure."

Fu Yujun smiled, her eyes curving. "Thanks."

Tang Ruoyao chuckled.

After Tang Ruoyao left, Fu Yujun's smile faded slightly, and she let out an almost imperceptible sigh.

The third-year curriculum was lighter than the previous two years, but there were increasingly more performance-related activities. Students also had to present the fruits of their two years of professional study, ensuring their efforts were not in vain. Tang Ruoyao and the others participated in a play organized by the school's drama club, rehearsing every night until around ten before returning. Their weekends were whittled down to just one free Sunday, and later, only half a day.

Tang Ruoyao apologized profusely to Qin Yinong. Though Qin Yinong was unhappy, she didn't throw a tantrum over serious matters—older people always had to be a little more accommodating. The only problem was that Tang Ruoyao was exhausted every time she returned, barely able to do anything. Strictly speaking, it wasn't that she couldn't, but once, Tang Ruoyao nearly fell asleep in the middle of it. To avoid any lasting psychological trauma, Qin Yinong decided to abstain for the time being.

A month later, on a Saturday, the play Tang Ruoyao starred in was a resounding success at the performance center. Qin Yinong made an exception and picked her up to take her home. After letting her sleep in, they didn't get out of bed for the entire next day, and the balcony was filled with fluttering sheets.

A few relatively leisurely days passed, and then the Golden Rose Awards ceremony arrived.

It had rained the day before, but the skies cleared on the day of the event, a pristine azure after the rain.

Tang Ruoyao's company had finally assigned her a proper van. She went to the hotel to get ready, and as she stepped out, lifting the long hem of her dress, a few media outlets were already snapping photos of her, calling out, "Ruoyao, look here!"

Tang Ruoyao obligingly turned her gaze toward them, her eyes crinkling with a charming, gentle smile.

Though there weren't many reporters, this was Tang Ruoyao's first time at such an important, formal occasion. She did her best to appear poised and flawless in front of the cameras.

The handful of media personnel covering her were visibly excited. Most of them had never seen Tang Ruoyao before, and prior to the announcement of the nominations, many hadn't even heard her name. Though she had starred in two films by renowned directors—an impressive feat—having resources and actually becoming famous were two entirely different things.

Dressed in a flowing white feathered gown, Tang Ruoyao moved with grace, exuding an elegant, refined beauty that was both delicate and dignified—a rare, classically Eastern allure in the entertainment industry.

The current domestic entertainment scene was in a transitional phase. From the '50s to the '90s, actresses with distinct styles had gradually faded into the pages of film history. Nowadays, the prevailing aesthetic favored youthful, delicate looks, especially among the newer generation. Finding someone with a recognizable face was already a challenge, let alone someone like Tang Ruoyao, who stood out effortlessly in a crowd.

The keen instincts of media professionals told them: Tang Ruoyao's face alone was enough to leave the new generation of cookie-cutter, mediocre starlets in the domestic entertainment industry far behind. If she had a bit more luck and could seize the opportunities, her future would be limitless.

Tang Ruoyao stepped into her van, and even as the door closed behind her, the flashing lights of cameras continued to click incessantly.

Xin Qian peered out through the window and said, "So many reporters! Tangtang, are you about to blow up?"

A faint smile flickered in Tang Ruoyao's eyes as she replied, "It's still too early to call it 'blowing up.'" She tapped open a video on her phone—a clip of Qin Yinong's departure captured by the press. Qin Yinong's long gown trailed elegantly behind her, with two assistants holding up the hem while Guan Han followed a few steps behind. The media frenzy was palpable, the barrage of flashes making it nearly impossible to see Qin Yinong's face clearly amidst the chaos. The screen was filled with screams, whether from fans or passersby was anyone's guess.

Tang Ruoyao said, "See that? That's what being 'hot' looks like."

Xin Qian sighed, "By that standard, there are barely a handful of truly 'hot' stars in the industry."

Tang Ruoyao smiled faintly and said nothing more.

Every awards ceremony, big or small, featured a red carpet segment where actresses vied for attention, each trying to outshine the other with glamorous press releases. As a newcomer, Tang Ruoyao was scheduled early in the lineup. Walking the film festival red carpet for the first time, she was blissfully unaware of her own beauty, assuming she was just another unremarkable face in the industry. Thus, she made no deliberate effort to pose for the cameras, her every movement exuding effortless grace. She faced the media with poise, answered the host's questions elegantly, and then swept into the venue from the end of the carpet.

Just as the sharp-eyed media had anticipated, the brutally honest beauty enthusiasts who had been eagerly waiting for the live broadcast were instantly captivated.

[Holy sh!t holy sh!t holy sh!t]

[Am I hallucinating? Did one of the Seven Fairies just descend from heaven?]

[Where did this celestial beauty come from? How have I never seen her before?!]

[I need this girl's entire profile in one minute!]

[Have I been skipping class too long? Someone catch me up—when did the entertainment industry produce such a gem? I'm stanning her.]

[Advice for the above: drop out.]

[LMAO no need to be so harsh. It's totally normal not to know her—this seems to be her first public appearance on camera. She's this year's Best Newcomer nominee, name's Tang Ruoyao. This girl's got a bright future ahead, investing in her now won't disappoint.]

Meanwhile, the glamour press releases had already begun circulating on Weibo. Marketing had become an unwritten rule in the industry—even the finest wine feared obscurity in a deep alley. Though most of the hype was just fans gushing with exaggerated praise, the buzz around the annual Golden Rose Awards still drew in swarms of curious onlookers.

Amid the flood of articles, Tang Ruoyao's name quietly emerged.

A new hashtag suddenly trended: #TangRuoyaoFairyOnEarth

Of course, it wasn't Ruan Qin who had arranged this—it was An Ling, acting on Qin Yinong's instructions, who had bought the publicity for Tang Ruoyao.

Skeptical netizens clicked in with knives drawn: Let me see which shameless nobody is inflating their ego this time! Tang Ruoyao? Some no-name 380th-tier celeb I've never even heard of! How dare they boast so shamelessly!

Then, faced with undeniable beauty, they promptly fell to their knees. All resistance crumbled like paper tigers.

[Damn, is this level of beauty even real?]

[This girl in the white feathered gown is absolutely stunning—she really does look like a fairy, ahhhh drools]

[Help! I'm drunk on her dimples!]

[She's so fair, my god! Just her looks alone could keep me obsessed for a year!]

[This is the first truly deserving trending topic I've seen today [on my knees]]

[How have I only discovered this top-tier sister today?! Please bombard me with more photos of her!!]

[Check out Tang Ruoyao on Weibo, you're welcome]

The trending topic climbed steadily from the thirties, its search index soaring. By the time the awards ceremony began, it had firmly secured the second spot—first place belonged to Qin Yinong, unshakable as ever. Tang Ruoyao's fan count skyrocketed.

Qin Yinong made her grand entrance as the final walk on the red carpet. Once inside, she couldn't spot Tang Ruoyao, so she hastily signed the autograph board and stepped into the main hall.

Tang Ruoyao was seated with the Rouge crew in the middle section. Qin Yinong stood at the front of the first row, casting a distant glance her way before sitting upright. She pulled out her phone from her clutch, shielding it discreetly as she sent Tang Ruoyao a message.

[Don't be nervous.]

Tang Ruoyao: [I'm not nervous.]

Qin Yinong smiled: [Really?]

The audience was filled with faces she had only ever seen on the big screen or television, each dazzling in their own right. Sitting among them, Tang Ruoyao saw her future path with unprecedented clarity.

She would keep acting, devoting her life to the craft.

This was just the beginning.

Tang Ruoyao straightened her posture and replied: [Really.]

Qin Yinong teased: [Alright then. I was hoping you'd whine at me a little [disappointed].]

Tang Ruoyao curled her lips: [I can whine at you even if I'm not nervous.]

Qin Yinong raised an eyebrow: [Go on, let's see it.]

Tang Ruoyao lowered her chin slightly, typing: [The puppy's wagging its tail for you~] She even sent a gif of a puppy wagging its tail—no idea where she'd picked that up from.

Qin Yinong burst into a quiet laugh.

Hao Meihua, sitting two seats away, shot her a disapproving look and clicked her tongue loudly to voice her displeasure.

[We'll talk at home.] Qin Yinong put her phone away.

Having attended countless award ceremonies over the years, Qin Yinong had long mastered the art of multitasking. On stage, the hosts bantered back and forth, keeping the energy high. Award-winning industry professionals basked in their glory while thunderous applause erupted intermittently from the audience. Qin Yinong clapped along, her expression perfectly composed as she indulged in fantasies of her little puppy wagging its tail on the sofa, in the bathroom, or on the carpet.

"This year's Golden Rose Award for Best Newcomer goes to..."

Qin Yinong snapped back to attention, following the camera's gaze.

"The Best Newcomer award goes to—Tang Ruoyao!"

Qin Yinong smiled and clapped enthusiastically.

Tang Ruoyao lifted the hem of her dress and walked to the stage, accepting the trophy from the presenter. Standing at the very center, she began her acceptance speech.

The spotlight bathed her in light, making every feather on her gown shimmer. Yet, far from being overshadowed by the opulent plumage, Tang Ruoyao only shone brighter, her radiance pure as snow.

She was a fleeting wonder of the world, stepping gracefully through the snow.

Qin Yinong heard someone whisper behind her, "So beautiful..."

The actress who'd uttered the words froze as Qin Yinong turned to glance at her, her gaze unreadable.

Their eyes met.

Though the actress had debuted earlier, she couldn't muster any advantage over the younger Qin Yinong. She silently cursed her loose tongue for praising someone else's beauty in Qin Yinong's presence.

Her heart pounded nervously—until Qin Yinong turned away again.

Qin Yinong fixed her eyes on the stage, her gaze darkening slightly.

Author's Note: 

Don't worry, this is the easy mode of Side Story 2—pure sweetness all the way. If there's conflict, just roll into bed. If that doesn't solve it, roll again~ (°▽°)╯

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