CHAPTER 274: Qin & Tang Extra 48

Tang Ruoyao certainly didn't anticipate that in such a short span of time, Qin Yinong had already decided to give her an unforgettable experience—along with a little punishment to teach her the "terrifying" consequences of underestimating her.

Standing in the living room, Tang Ruoyao watched as Qin Yinong placed the iced drink into the fridge, still naively wondering: 'Is she saving it for tomorrow? Won't it go bad by then?'

The corners of Qin Yinong's lips curled into a faint smile as she said, "Go take a shower in the room first."

"Huh? Didn't you say you had something to tell me?"

"We'll talk after you shower."

Tang Ruoyao trusted her unconditionally. Her first thought wasn't Why shower at a hotel? but rather, "But I didn't bring any spare clothes."

Qin Yinong had planned this since the afternoon—how could she not be prepared?

With perfect composure, she replied, "I had Guan Han bring some for you. They're on the bed in the bedroom."

A fleeting sense of unease passed through Tang Ruoyao's mind, but she couldn't pinpoint what was off.

The hotel bathroom was far more spacious than the hospital's, fully equipped with all amenities. If Qin Yinong wanted her to shower before heading back, it seemed perfectly reasonable.

She turned and entered the master bedroom. Sure enough, neatly folded clothes lay on the bed. Suppressing her ominous intuition, she stepped into the bathroom. Warm water cascaded from the showerhead, and Tang Ruoyao tilted her head back, letting the heat flow down her slender neck and splash at her feet.

The tiles were cold, and droplets struck her ankles, sending a shiver through her. Her eyes snapped open, a faint flush creeping across her fair cheeks.

'Could Qin Yinong be planning to...?'

But if she stayed at the hotel tonight, Tang Hanzhang would definitely not agree, and his impression of her would also get worse.

Frowning, Tang Ruoyao rinsed off, dried herself, and dressed properly before stepping out.

The air conditioning was on in the hotel room, so she only wore a light yellow sweater and a pair of fleece-lined jeans when she came out..

Qin Yinong sat in an armchair by the floor-to-ceiling window, draped loosely in a pearlescent white robe that half-concealed her figure. A wine bottle and glass rested on the small table before her, the glass nearly empty.

She crooked a finger at Tang Ruoyao. "Come here."

Tang Ruoyao walked closer and smelled the faint scent of body wash. "Did you take a shower too?"

"I showered next door."

Tang Ruoyao wanted to ask why, but the question felt too foolish. 'Whatever, she showered, so what?' Her gaze lingered briefly on the wine glass before shifting back to Qin Yinong. "Don't drink too much."

Qin Yinong hummed and said lazily, "I know my limits."

Even though they were still a step apart—Qin Yinong seated, Tang Ruoyao standing—she could already feel the subtle pressure radiating from Qin Yinong, making her heartbeat uncontrollably quicken and her cheeks warm.

Suddenly parched, Tang Ruoyao licked her lips and finally managed to speak, though her voice came out unusually hoarse. "Didn't you... say you had something to tell me?"

"I didn't say..." Qin Yinong tilted her chin up slightly to look at her. Her red lips parted, and she spoke each word slowly and clearly. "...I said I had something to do."

Tang Ruoyao unconsciously swallowed.

"Do what?"

Qin Yinong smiled with an alluring charm, lightly brushing aside her slightly damp long hair by her shoulder. Her peach-blossom eyes shimmered with a mesmerizing glow, reminiscent of the enchanting nine-tailed fox from ancient paintings. In a soft, bewitching voice, she said, "Guess?"

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

"Give me an hour." Qin Yinong pressed the remote, and the curtains slowly closed. The main lights in the room dimmed simultaneously, leaving only the halo of ceiling lights, instantly casting a hazy and int!mate atmosphere.

Tang Ruoyao was pulled into Qin Yinong's embrace, her hand held firmly as the woman tilted her face up and kissed her.

The taste of red wine made the kiss rich and lingering.

As the kiss deepened, Tang Ruoyao's mind grew increasingly foggy. Qin Yinong was determined to make her truly understand, leaving no room for hesitation. Gradually, Tang Ruoyao could no longer think clearly, surrendering entirely to Qin Yinong's lead as instinct took over.

By the end, even the halo of ceiling lights seemed veiled in an impenetrable mist to Tang Ruoyao. She felt as though she were adrift in a wilderness, floating among clouds, while a lone winged horse galloped across the sky, dissolving into the shape of white, flowing clouds.

Her pupils dilated in a daze, and it was only much later that the lights regained their normal hue.

Qin Yinong lay on her side, cradling Tang Ruoyao in her arms and gently patting her back.

Tang Ruoyao rested her forehead against the curve of the woman's neck, utterly spent, slowly steadying her ragged breaths.

Qin Yinong leaned down to kiss her again, but as soon as her lips brushed the corner of Tang Ruoyao's mouth, the latter raised a hand between them and murmured in a barely audible voice, "Go rinse your mouth."

Ignoring her, Qin Yinong moved her hand aside, her lips glistening as she smiled and tried to kiss her again. Tang Ruoyao turned her back to her, urging, "Hurry up." Recalling her earlier humiliating reaction, Tang Ruoyao was half-embarrassed, half-irritated.

Qin Yinong left—but not to rinse her mouth. Instead, she went to the living room.

Tang Ruoyao pulled the covers up to her eyes and watched as Qin Yinong returned from the doorway, holding the chilled drink she had earlier placed in the fridge.

Tang Ruoyao happened to be a little thirsty.

Propping herself up on her elbow, she took a sip from the straw Qin Yinong offered.

"Is it cold?" Qin Yinong asked.

Tang Ruoyao nodded, shivering slightly. "The cold almost shot straight to the top of my head."

Qin Yinong chuckled.

Tang Ruoyao laughed too.

A few minutes later, she wasn't laughing anymore.

"Ah—! Ah—!"

How could Qin Yinong suddenly—?!

'I'm done for! I'm going to die!' That was her last thought before losing consciousness.

......

Qin Yinong had originally asked for an hour, but in the end, the two rounds combined didn't even last half that, not counting the break in between. When it was all over, a minor issue arose—Tang Ruoyao was in a bit of a mood, sulking and refusing to speak to her.

Qin Yinong could understand. After all, this was their first time being so int!mate, and to start off like this was naturally overwhelming. Tang Ruoyao's embarrassment had turned into resentment toward the instigator, leading to the current standoff.

But Tang Ruoyao's temper never lasted long. After Qin Yinong held her and coaxed her with a few words, promising to let her return the favor next time, Tang Ruoyao's anger dissipated.

After resting for ten minutes, Tang Ruoyao was fully recharged. She scrambled up and pulled on the clothes discarded at the foot of the bed. "I need to get back to the hospital. My dad's probably worried."

Watching her energetic demeanor, Qin Yinong couldn't help but marvel inwardly: 'It's great to be young.'  Then, the corners of her lips curled into a smile. At least now she wouldn't have to worry about wearing her out.

Qin Yinong also draped on her crumpled sleep robe and said, "I'll see you off."

Tang Ruoyao replied, "You'd have to change clothes, and it's such a hassle going back and forth. Let Guan Han take me."

Qin Yinong insisted.

Tang Ruoyao compromised, "Alright then, I'll wait for you in the living room. Hurry up and change."

With that, she hurried away, her retreating figure unmistakably resembling someone fleeing in panic.

Qin Yinong was also worried that keeping Tang Ruoyao away for too long might anger her father, so she swiftly changed into fresh clothes, threw on an overcoat, and strode out, saying, "Let's go."

Tang Ruoyao stood up from the sofa, her hands still clasped tightly in front of her, as if she had been holding that position for a long time. Realizing this, she quickly let them drop.

Qin Yinong pretended not to notice—even rabbits bite when cornered.

Guan Han, who had received Qin Yinong's message, was already waiting at the door. The front door was wide open as the two stepped out one after the other. Guan Han's gaze swept over their faces. Though both wore masks, the faint pink hue of Tang Ruoyao's ears betrayed her.

Guan Han lowered her eyelids slightly, masking the shrewd glint in her eyes.

Tang Ruoyao only allowed Qin Yinong to escort her to the hospital entrance. Without much conversation, she simply said, "See you tomorrow." before jogging through the hospital gates.

Tang Ruoyao walked quickly to the ward door, then paused and glanced at her watch—she had been gone for an hour and fifteen minutes. If her father asked, she would say they had discussed work matters. After all, they were in the same industry. 'Right.'

With her mind made up, Tang Ruoyao pushed the door open.

The small table by the hospital bed had been folded away. Tang Hanzhang slowly opened his eyes, his expression stern as he scrutinized her intently, as if trying to perform a full-body X-ray scan on her.

Meeting his gaze, Tang Ruoyao walked to the bedside. "Dad."

Tang Hanzhang slowly withdrew his gaze. "Hmm."

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips and volunteered, "We went to the hotel to discuss a new film project."

Tang Hanzhang said, "Hmm."

Tang Ruoyao raised an eyebrow in surprise.

'Was it really that easy to get past him?'

Tang Hanzhang asked, "Why... did... you... change... clothes?"

Tang Ruoyao: "..." She scratched her chin with one hand, her eyes darting, and replied, "I took a shower while I was there. Her bathroom is bigger."

Tang Hanzhang resignedly closed his eyes.

Tang Ruoyao: "Dad?"

Tang Hanzhang said, "I'm tired."

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Then get some rest. Goodnight." She tucked the blankets around him, washed up, and turned off the lights before slipping into bed.

The night makes a person's nerves more active, and their thoughts become uncontrollable.

The memories Tang Ruoyao had tried to suppress erupted like a volcano in the dead of night, overwhelming all her senses. Warmth and dampness spread through her limbs, every vein, every cell.

Tossing and turning, Tang Ruoyao couldn't sleep. But fearing she might wake her father, she kept her movements to a bare minimum.

She was already a naturally warm person, and with certain thoughts, it felt like there was a hot stove in her quilt. It made her feel hot all over, sweaty, and uncomfortable.

She kicked the quilt off to get some air, but it had little effect.

My daily life with Ms. Q:

[Ms. Q is truly a terrifying woman. How dare she treat me like that? Tomorrow, I'll do the same to her.]

Tang Ruoyao wrote this in her alternate account before finally succumbing to a fitful sleep.

But she forgot—Qin Yinong was returning to the capital the next day.

The Chinese New Year was coming to an end, and people all over the country were going back to work. Qin Yinong wasn't as leisurely, frequently shuttling to City Z. This time, upon returning to the capital, she wouldn't have the time to come back anytime soon.

Tang Ruoyao secretly held a grudge and "documented her hatred" on her alternate account every day.

Tang Ruoyao told Tang Hanzhang that the other person was busy with work and asked him not to blame her. Tang Hanzhang was so happy that the shameless woman wouldn't come that he would never blame her. Tang Hanzhang had memory loss, but what he wanted to remember most was his memories with Zhuo Peiyun when he was in his twenties.

Tang Ruoyao took him to City A.

At Hengjia Garden in Qingping District, Tang Ruoyao pushed the wheelchair, standing together in the neighborhood as they slowly walked along the smooth path.

Tang Ruoyao was twenty, and Tang Hanzhang had moved away from City A two decades ago. The old tenement buildings had long been demolished and rebuilt, the new structures now displaying the aged traces of time.

Tang Hanzhang had Tang Ruoyao stop in front of a particular building, sighing, "This is the place."

A sudden thought flashed in Tang Ruoyao's mind. "Dad, Qin Yinong lived here when she was little too."

Tang Hanzhang frowned and turned his head.

Tang Ruoyao continued, "She was even our neighbor. She said she often came over to play at our house." Her heart swelled with joy—how could she have forgotten this trump card? Childhood sweethearts—surely her father wouldn't oppose that?

Tang Hanzhang didn't remember much.

He worked during the day and spent evenings with his wife. He wasn't a sociable person—well-read, refined, and always dignified, maintaining a polite distance with neighbors. They would help each other when needed, but they weren't close friends.

Not to mention the neighbors' children, if you asked him who his neighbors were back then, he probably wouldn't be able to answer.

Tang Ruoyao had a sudden idea. "Her nickname was Dudu."

Tang Hanzhang's eyes lit up in realization.

That was the little brat who always came over, clinging to his wife and making him endlessly jealous.

Back then, Zhuo Peiyun adored her so much that she would wake up early to make snacks, saying she had to prepare for the little guest visiting in the morning, heartlessly leaving him alone in bed.

Tang Ruoyao grinned. "Aren't we fated to be together? She even changed my diapers when I was a child, haha."

Tang Hanzhang's face remained wooden.

Tang Ruoyao swallowed her laughter, frowning inwardly.

Why was her father so difficult? Even childhood sweethearts didn't work?

She pushed Tang Hanzhang to a park, sitting on a bench to rest while typing on her phone: [Guess where I am?] She snapped a photo of a distant landmark in City A.

A few minutes later, Qin Yinong replied: [Why are you in City A?]

Tang Ruoyao: [ I Brought Dad back for a visit. I told him we used to be neighbors—guess how he reacted.]

Qin Yinong, curious: [How?]

Tang Ruoyao: [No reaction. Surprised?]

Qin Yinong sent a dejected parrot sticker.

Tang Ruoyao: [I think he just can't remember. Don't worry.]

Qin Yinong: [Sigh. Keep trying. I have all the time in the world anyway.]

Tang Ruoyao's school would reopen after the Lantern Festival. The two of them planned to transfer Tang Hanzhang to the capital for rehabilitation treatment, making it easier to care for him. They hadn't mentioned it before, but now was the time to bring it up. Tang Ruoyao stepped in front of Tang Hanzhang's wheelchair, kneeling down hesitantly. "Dad, there's something I want to discuss with you."

Tang Hanzhang raised his brows, signaling her to continue.

Tang Ruoyao shared her and Qin Yinong's plans with him, then pressed her lips together and asked, "Would you be willing to come to the capital with me?"

To her surprise, Tang Hanzhang nodded almost without hesitation.

Tang Ruoyao was stunned for a moment before being overwhelmed with joy.

Tang Hanzhang lightly tapped the armrest of his wheelchair with one finger and said, "But there's something I need to do first."

Tang Ruoyao asked in confusion, "What is it?"

Tang Hanzhang's gaze was resolute, his usual gentleness gone, replaced by a hint of coldness as he replied, "Something important."

......

"Divorce? I refuse!" Jiang Xuezhen slammed the remote control onto the sofa and pointed at Tang Hanzhang, who sat in his wheelchair, cursing, "You Tang family are so ungrateful! Who was it that took care of you, cleaning up your filth, raising your two children while you were lying there unconscious? Now that you're awake, you want to kick me out? I'm telling you, no way!"

"It was the nurse that Ruoyao hired who took care of me. It was also her who raised the money for my medical expenses. Jiang Xuezhen... ask yourself, in all these years of marriage, have you ever fulfilled even a fraction of your responsibility toward our daughter? What did you promise me before we got married?"

Tang Hanzhang answered slowly, word by word. He couldn't speak much, but his weak voice didn't make him seem powerless. Instead, his composed demeanor faintly overpowered Jiang Xuezhen.

Jiang Xuezhen shrieked, "I'm not her mother! Why should I take responsibility for her! If you want her to have the same life as a child with a mother, then let her short-lived biological mother jump out of her coffin!"

Suddenly, something was hurled at her feet, and Jiang Xuezhen let out a sharp scream!

When she looked down, she saw it was one of Tang Fei's small toy balls.

Tang Ruoyao bent over, soothing Tang Hanzhang's heaving chest, and said urgently, "Dad, don't get angry. The doctor said you mustn't get agitated."

Tang Hanzhang closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, his gaze was even colder. "Jiang Xuezhen, I'm here to inform you, not negotiate. If you are willing to talk calmly, you will get a larger share."

Jiang Xuezhen hadn't worked in years—her only source of income had been Tang Hanzhang, and later, Tang Ruoyao's support. Even if Tang Hanzhang had transferred the house to her, it was considered joint marital property. If they really scrutinized the details, Jiang Xuezhen wouldn't gain much.

Before the new year, Tang Ruoyao had bought a house in Z City, planning to let Jiang Xuezhen and Tang Fei move in. Later, Tang Hanzhang woke up, and the house was left vacant. Now that Tang Hanzhang wanted to get a divorce, Tang Ruoyao went home and packed most of her belongings and photo albums into boxes and moved to the new house.

She was overjoyed that Tang Hanzhang was divorcing Jiang Xuezhen, but she hadn't forgotten Tang Fei, caught in the middle. She hadn't expected the choice between staying with his sister or his mother to come so soon.

Tang Ruoyao took Tang Fei out for a meal. She didn't enter the house but called him out—on the day Tang Hanzhang laid his cards on the table, Tang Ruoyao had quietly bought Tang Fei a phone and slipped it to him.

Tang Fei walked out of the stairwell, forcing a weak smile.

He was a sensible and mature child. He was in his room when the adults were talking. The fact that Tang Ruoyao no longer stepped into the house also announced that this family was destined to fall apart.

He had always known his mother treated his sister poorly. He had spoken to Jiang Xuezhen about it, but it was no use. Jiang Xuezhen said his sister didn't share the same mother as him, so she just couldn't stand her. But Tang Fei believed that a sister was a sister—even if they had different mothers, they were still siblings who had grown up together.

Now, his sister was finally leaving this unkind home. He was happy for his sister, but his tears still fell uncontrollably as he ate the hot oden.

He didn't want to leave his sister or his father, nor did he want to leave his mother. Why did adults have to separate?

Tang Fei buried his face in Tang Ruoyao's shoulder and sobbed loudly.

Tang Ruoyao patted his back, not asking him who he wanted to stay with. Such a decision was too cruel for a child. Yet, if things really escalated to a divorce lawsuit, something even more brutal would happen—the judge would ask him in court: "Do you want to live with your father or your mother?"

Tang Ruoyao closed her eyes, unable to bear the thought.

......

"If you're willing to give up custody of Tang Fei, I'll pay you an additional sum." Tang Ruoyao said calmly. She hadn't told Tang Hanzhang and had instead arranged to meet Jiang Xuezhen alone.

Jiang Xuezhen, sitting across from her, replied resolutely, "Impossible!"

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head and took a sip of coffee, composed and unhurried. "Since you don't want to talk to me, then you can talk to my lawyer." She scoffed coldly. "You won't accept a toast, so you'll have to eat a forfeit."

Her lawyer, surnamed Wu, was a divorce attorney Tang Ruoyao had hired from the most prestigious law firm in the city. He pushed his coffee cup to the side, placed his briefcase on the table, and said, "Ms. Jiang, my client, Mr. Tang Hanzhang, has fully entrusted me to discuss the divorce matters with you."

Tang Hanzhang was not in good health, and Tang Ruoyao was afraid that he would be exhausted and it would affect his recovery, so she took on this matter herself.

Jiang Xuezhen was just an ordinary woman with no experience dealing with lawyers. Overwhelmed with fear, she grabbed her bag and fled on the spot.

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Before Lawyer Wu could even get a word out, Jiang Xuezhen had already bolted in panic. Raising his voice, he called after her, "Ms. Jiang, running won't solve anything. I will find you again—"

Tang Ruoyao treated Lawyer Wu to lunch, and afterward, he drove her to the hospital entrance, where they parted ways.

Tang Ruoyao: "Thank you for your hard work, Lawyer Wu."

Lawyer Wu replied politely, "Not at all. It's what I should do."

Tang Ruoyao sent Jiang Xuezhen a message: [The chances of you winning custody of Tang Fei were slim to begin with. If you keep fighting, you might end up with nothing. Feel free to consult a lawyer if you don't believe me. When you've thought it through, come find me—I'll be waiting.]

After a moment's consideration, she added: [You know Dad's temperament—he would never mistreat Tang Fei. Staying with him would be far better for Tang Fei than staying with you. I have the means to provide him with excellent material conditions and the best education. No one's asking you to sever your bond as mother and son. You can visit him whenever you want.]

[You're only thirty this year, still young. If you remarry in the future, whether or not you have a son by your side will make a big difference. I hope you think it over carefully.]

[One last thing, don't tell Tang Fei what I told you. He's much more sensitive than you think.]

Jiang Xuezhen sat on the living room sofa, her phone vibrated continuously as message after message poured in.

Jiang Xuezhen stared fixedly at her phone, repeating to herself over and over that Tang Ruoyao was just spouting nonsense—deliberately lying to deceive her, all to take Tang Fei away from her.

She had nothing left now, only her son. She absolutely would not let Tang Ruoyao take her child away!

Yet the words still burned into her mind, one by one, leaving her sleepless through the night.

Two days later, she went to a law firm for consultation.

She even returned to her parents' home.

Her maternal family had an older brother. Upon hearing that his sister had been wronged, he gathered a few people to cause trouble at the hospital. At the ward door, they were stopped by two tall, burly bodyguards in black suits. They didn't even get to see Tang Hanzhang's face before being chased out by the nurses who arrived.

Tang Hanzhang heard the commotion outside the door and asked, "What's wrong?"

Tang Ruoyao seized the moment to boost Qin Yinong's image, saying, "Jiang Xuezhen's brother came, probably to teach us a lesson. But Qin Yinong had already arranged bodyguards for me—isn't that incredibly foresighted?"

In truth, these bodyguards weren't meant to guard against Jiang Xuezhen's brother. Qin Yinong had insisted on them because she was worried about Tang Ruoyao's safety when she went out. Tang Ruoyao found it awkward, but Qin Yinong said she'd have to get used to it eventually, so she might as well start now.

Tang Hanzhang shot her a sidelong glance.

Tang Ruoyao burst out laughing. "Dad, what's with that look?"

Tang Hanzhang snorted.

"I'll keep observing." he said.

Tang Ruoyao added, "She also arranged a school in the capital for Tang Fei. As long as he goes, he'll have a place to study. Admissions there are really strict."

Tang Hanzhang froze.

He had only planned to go to the capital for treatment, wanting to stay closer to Tang Ruoyao so she wouldn't worry so much. Once he recovered, he intended to return to Z City—after all, he'd lived there for twenty years and was used to it.

Tang Ruoyao immediately protested, "You still want to come back? What for?"

Tang Hanzhang: "I—"

Tang Ruoyao cut him off. "Do you have any other relatives here?"

Tang Hanzhang shook his head.

Tang Ruoyao: "Isn't living with me better?"

Tang Hanzhang: "...That's not what I meant."

Tang Ruoyao stubbornly insisted, "Yes, it is! Are you planning to reconcile with Jiang Xuezhen once I leave? You talk big now, but soon your romantic poet's heart will soften again!"

Tang Hanzhang sighed helplessly. "I wouldn't—"

Tang Ruoyao argued unreasonably, "You would! Since you have no ties here, why not come with me? Tang Fei will get a better education in the capital too. The living arrangements are all settled—you just have to nod."

Tang Hanzhang was at a loss for words.

Tang Ruoyao pressed, "If you don't nod, it means you don't love me."

Tang Hanzhang had no choice but to nod.

He sighed inwardly. Perhaps it was time for a change of scenery.

His home was in A City, where all his joys and sorrows lay. Maybe in his old age, he'd return there to retire. As for Z City—without Tang Ruoyao, there really was nothing left to miss.

Having made up his mind, Tang Hanzhang gently patted Tang Ruoyao's hand and managed a small smile.

But after a moment of calm, he suddenly realized something. In Tang Ruoyao's rapid-fire speech, she'd mentioned that everything in the capital was already arranged. Who had arranged it? As a college student, how could Tang Ruoyao have managed all that? And Tang Fei's schooling—resolved so easily.

One after another, these were all sugar-coated bullets Qin Yinong had fired his way.

Taking gifts leaves one indebted, accepting favors makes it hard to refuse. In the future, what grounds would he have to oppose this marriage?

Tang Hanzhang drew a sharp breath.

'That shameless, cunning fox!'

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