CHAPTER 278: Qin & Tang Extra 52

Qin Yinong had never been in love, but she had acted in movies and had fallen deeply in love in them. However, a movie is an artistic interpretation of reality. Outside of the movies, she never believed that a love that lasts forever existed, at least not for her.

Once, someone proposed a theory: imagine the world's seven billion people as green beans, and you and your destined one as two red beans. What are the odds that these two red beans would meet and come together among seven billion green beans? So, for most of us, it's not about fate—we just make do with whoever we end up with.

Some scholars divide love into three levels: fondness, liking, and passionate love. The first two are what most people experience—mutual affection, harmony, and shared comfort. The third, however, is the highest stage of falling in love—an intense, soul-deep connection, an urgent desire to become one, the most romantic and profound emotion of all.

Qin Yinong had witnessed and experienced many kinds of love, yet she never truly believed in it, even regarding it as something dangerous. She feared the flutter of attraction, feared having her emotions swayed by another, feared love itself. That was, until she fell in love with Tang Ruoyao.

Now, she realized that what she felt for her was no longer mere liking—it was love.

That ineffable emotion defied description. It was as if her heart was always full, brimming with joy at any moment. Just the thought of Tang Ruoyao filled her with boundless strength and courage.

If love was also a blessing, she was willing to be a devout believer in the divine for the rest of her life.

Gently, Qin Yinong wiped away the tears on Tang Ruoyao's cheeks, gazing tenderly into her amber eyes.

The young lover sniffled, her eyes red-rimmed, and asked, "What else do you have planned?"

"What do you mean?"

"Your plans for clearing your name. You've already exposed Qin Hongjian's deeds, and we're only on the third episode. What are you going to do next?"

"Hmm."

Seeing Qin Yinong trying to evade the question, Tang Ruoyao immediately hardened her tone. "I want you to tell me everything. All of it." Truthfully, Tang Ruoyao didn't care at all about the rumors outside, which was why she had never asked before. Since she didn't ask, Qin Yinong naturally wouldn't bring up such unpleasant matters to trouble her. The intricacies of the industry were something they both understood—all they cared about was the truth they shared with each other.

"Alright." Since she asked, Qin Yinong decided not to hide it. "Back in 2014, I established a foundation called Maple Red. It's a social welfare organization dedicated to combating d0mestic v!olence."

Tang Ruoyao, ever the eager learner, immediately searched online. There were news articles about the organization, as well as its official Weibo account. The head of Maple Red, Shi Xiao, had even received an award from the government.

"Was it because of Qin Hongjian?" Tang Ruoyao asked.

Qin Yinong gave a soft hum of affirmation. "My family was already ruined, but others can still be saved. If I can help even one person, it's worth it." After a pause, she added, "But the more I do this, the more I realize... there are so many people who need help, and so little we can actually do."

Her beautiful brows furrowed slightly, as if weighed down by guilt.

Tang Ruoyao squeezed her hand and said earnestly, "You're already amazing."

Qin Yinong curled her lips into a smile. She hadn't been fishing for Tang Ruoyao's praise, but she didn't refute it either. She continued, "I was worried my reputation might affect Maple Red before, and I didn't want people digging into my family, my upbringing, or the story behind why I founded Maple Red. So I only had Shi Xiao represent me publicly."

Tang Ruoyao's brow twitched. "Are you planning to go public now?"

Qin Yinong nodded.

"Now that the Qin Hongjian story is out, it's the perfect opportunity to bring Maple Red to the forefront. With my fame, I can also promote Maple Red, which will help our future work. Why not take the opportunity?"

Watching the confident smile playing on Qin Yinong's lips, Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but think of a phrase: 'No merchant is without cunning.'

She steadied herself and quickly banished the thought from her mind.

Yet she had to admit—this shrewd, calculating side of Qin Yinong radiated a faint glow that held an irresistible allure for her.

Had Qin Yinong cast some kind of spell on her?

Qin Yinong lightly tapped her knee with a bent finger. Suddenly, the light dimmed before her, and then her lips grew warm as Tang Ruoyao leaned in, pushing her down onto the sofa and kissing her deeply.

Qin Yinong clutched Tang Ruoyao's collar, letting out a soft, contented hum.

Having already showered at home, Qin Yinong carried the faint scent of body wash, her hair lightly fragrant with shampoo. Tang Ruoyao, like a curious puppy, nuzzled and sniffed all over her.

Qin Yinong nudged her head, urging her to get to the point.

Tang Ruoyao pulled Qin Yinong onto her lap, reached out to open the coffee table drawer, and retrieved a long, pink wrapper.

Much later, the movements finally subsided.

Qin Yinong lay half-lidded with exhaustion, feigning innocence. "Weren't you supposed to be listening to my plans? What were you doing?"

Tang Ruoyao, still holding her loosely, pressed a light kiss to her lips.

"Wasn't that what you wanted?"

Qin Yinong denied it outright. "No, I didn't, stop making things up."

Tang Ruoyao didn't argue, replying calmly, "Right, it's all me—I just can't control myself whenever I see you."

Qin Yinong burst into laughter.

Her variety show was still filming, requiring constant travel, so the two couldn't meet every week. This time, over ten days had passed since their last reunion. Moving from the sofa to the bedroom, Qin Yinong, just like before, was nearly worn to the bone.

This time, it wasn't Tang Ruoyao's fault—Qin Yinong had been the one relentlessly clinging to her, knowing she'd be leaving for another recording session the day after tomorrow. She had to make the most of it now.

When Tang Ruoyao got up for school the next morning, Qin Yinong was still asleep, hugging her pillow with a faint smile on her lips, as if dreaming of something pleasant.

Unconsciously, her dreams had begun to fill with beautiful things, making her smile even in sleep.

Rubbing her sore right wrist, Tang Ruoyao bent down to place a tender kiss on the woman's forehead before quietly slipping out of the room.

Four days after the third episode of Traveling with My Sister aired, the Qin Hongjian sc@ndal was firmly settled, though some remained skeptical or hesitant—deep-seated prejudices weren't easily overturned. Then, an insider revealed that the founder behind Maple Red, an anti-domestic violence organization dedicated to protecting women and children's rights, was none other than Qin Yinong.

Shi Xiao was someone capable of great things. Within just two or three years, he leveraged the rapidly developing internet to make Maple Red's name known far and wide, even appearing on television himself. The night the news broke, Shi Xiao posted a lengthy article on Weibo, disclosing the most original materials and passionately standing up for his boss.

Some people, following the usual playbook for discrediting public welfare organizations, accused Maple Red of embezzlement, only to be swiftly refuted by the official account with solid evidence: at this point, Maple Red was an organization that did not accept public donations. In other words, Qin Yinong was personally covering almost all of Maple Red's expenses. Who was she embezzling from? Herself?

Others claimed this was a meticulously planned three-year whitewashing campaign, a view that garnered much agreement. We have to admit that there are people in this world who harbor the worst suspicions about others, as if deriving some sense of superiority from believing they alone see the truth while everyone else is blind.

On the sixth day—the day before the fourth episode of the reality show aired—

These skeptics were slapped with another resounding rebuttal.

Project Hope released records of Qin Yinong's donations to support underprivileged students, with the earliest transaction dating back ten years—the same year she debuted. Over the past decade, her contributions had been continuous, never interrupted. Many of the students she helped had gone on to attend university, some even prestigious institutions.

Someone might orchestrate a three-year whitewashing campaign and establish a charity for that purpose, but no one could have predicted today's situation right from their debut. Thus, her decade-long unbroken charity work spoke for itself.

Official media outlets collectively endorsed Qin Yinong, leaving the doubters speechless.

Last year, Qin Yinong began donating to build a Project Hope elementary school. When the real insiders saw the name of the school, they were completely blown away.

Because the schools were named: "Qin Tang" Hope Elementary School.

Tang Ruoyao laughed so hard in her dorm that she feared her image would be irreparably ruined. She climbed to the top bunk, hiding under her blankets to muffle her laughter, but she simply couldn't control herself—her entire bed shook with her mirth.

Wen Shuxian knocked on the bed frame from below and said, "We can all hear you. It's fine, just laugh out loud."

Tang Ruoyao buried her face in her pillow, giggling uncontrollably.

Wen Shuxian turned to the other two roommates and mimed a live-action meme of a "lemon rocketing into space," pointing at herself and asking, "Am I the one who's this sour?"

Cui Jiaran's eyes brimmed with envy as she said, "I really want to dump my boyfriend now."

Fu Yujun silently opened her WeChat chat log with Guan Han.

[Shared game: Stimulus Battlefield: Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner—Let's play together!]

Sigh.

She let out a long, internal sigh.

Lin Ruohan sent Qin Yinong a string of question marks: [????????]

Lin Ruohan: [Are you even human? You're not just luring dogs in to slaughter them—you're wielding a dragon-slaying blade, dealing 9999 damage per strike.]

Lin Ruohan: [D@mn, I'm so jealous. This is next-level flexing.]

Lin Ruohan: [Got any other tricks up your sleeve for spoiling your wife? Teach me, please? I'll call you 'sister.']

Lin Ruohan: [You there? You there? You there?]

Lately, her own little wolf dog had been acting a bit off, seeming somewhat unhappy. Lin Ruohan had been looking for ways to cheer her up, only to realize that Qin Yinong—a rookie in romance—had somehow evolved into a love guru without anyone noticing.

D@mn it! She refused to be left behind!

Several hours later, Qin Yinong replied: [Here.]

Qin Yinong: [I wasn't trying to coax her. When making the donation, I needed to come up with a name, and the first thing that came to mind was combining our names. I think these things shouldn't be forced—they should come from the heart.]

Lin Ruohan: [Are you saying I don't have a heart???]

Qin Yinong: [That's not what I meant. Anyway, let things take their natural course. My approach might not work for the two of you.]

Lin Ruohan: [What if I donate to a Hope Primary School too and name it 'Lin Ren'? What do you think?]

Qin Yinong tsked and typed: [How about 'Starry Moon' instead? 'Lin Ren' doesn't sound very nice.]

Lin Ruohan: [Good point! I'll donate right away. You have experience—help me arrange it. I'll cover the costs.]

Qin Yinong: "..."

First of all, charity isn't a tool for flaunting affection. Secondly, it was obvious she wasn't putting much thought into the gift. It might have been better to just offer herself—that might have worked better. Qin Yinong spoke earnestly, and Lin Ruohan kept nodding in agreement, but afterward, she still said, "I'm just trying anything at this point. Who knows, it might work, right?"

Qin Yinong: "...Fine."

It was a simple favor—she could just list herself as the responsible party to ensure quality.

Qin Lunong cuddled Ningning.

"Your aunt has forgotten all about her sister now that she's married, and all she thinks about is her little girlfriend. It's just the two of us left to rely on each other."

Ningning held her hand, grinning so wide her eyes disappeared.

The little one had six teeth now, no longer showing just gums when she smiled. With rosy lips and pearly teeth, she was already starting to look like a little beauty.

Qin Lunong gently pinched her cheek. "Looking like this, how many hearts are you going to break when you grow up? Do you want to turn my hair white with worry? Hmm?"

Ningning blinked her big, dark eyes like grapes.

No matter what Qin Lunong said, she just laughed—a clear, innocent, childlike giggle.

Qin Lunong hugged her close, kissing her over and over, then mischievously blew on her neck, making exaggerated "whooshing" sounds. Ningning laughed and squirmed, wriggling around like a little loach.

......

Qin Tang Hope Elementary School

Netizens pondered over the name. Their instincts told them that "Tang" must mean something.

Every male or female celebrity in the industry with the surname Tang—even those with just a bit of fame—was dragged into the speculation, as if each one might have some hidden connection to Qin Yinong. Directors, producers, screenwriters, and other film professionals were also included.

The list was so long that netizens happily dove into analysis.

They lined everyone up like contestants in a talent show, searching for clues to uncover possibilities, then narrowing them down layer by layer.

Tang Ruoyao—female, a student—was ruthlessly eliminated in the first round.

Some came up with creative explanations, like: "Qin Yinong's full name is Qin Tang, with 'Yinong' as her courtesy name. Maybe this is actually her real name."

Others argued: "Qin Yinong probably didn't think that deeply about it. Maybe she just didn't want to use her real name, and since the Qin and Tang dynasties are often linked, she just went with it. Netizens really have too much time on their hands, making a big deal out of nothing."

Qin Yinong's popularity exploded, with her search index soaring far ahead on all platforms.

The fourth episode of Traveling with My Sister aired, setting a new viewership record. Many advertisers smelled opportunity and clamored to join mid-season, even if it was just for the remaining episodes. The production team raked in profits, grinning from ear to ear.

In the fourth episode, Qin Lunong fell ill.

Her constitution was frail. The previous day's water-based game had her falling into the water several times, leaving her chilled from the soaking. In the morning, she forced herself to go out to complete the tasks, but halfway through, she couldn't go on—too weak to even walk.

She and Qin Yinong were in the same team. Without a word, Qin Yinong carried her on her back, completing the entire task while carrying her the whole way. Qin Lunong held the task card, directing them. In the end, they secured second place.

The production team interviewed Qin Yinong: "Queen Qin, aren't you tired?"

Qin Yinong took a hot towel and pressed it against her face, breathing slightly heavily as she replied, "I'm fine."

Qin Lunong suddenly poked her head in and interrupted, "She works out every day at home. She has muscles. Carrying me is no problem for her."

Qin Yinong shooed her away, "Go away, go away. You're everywhere."

The barrage of comments exploded with laughter:

[Sister Lu is so annoying lol]

[Why do I detect a hint of shyness in Qin Yinong's tone?]

[Be more confident. Get rid of the 'why' and the question mark.]

[Qin Yinong's face is all flushed, with sweat on her lashes—so d@mn sexy.]

Qin Lunong, having been chased off, still shouted from afar, "If you don't believe me, ask her to roll up her sleeves!"

They were filming in winter, so their usual outfits were long-sleeved. Some would switch to short sleeves, sleeveless tops, or dresses for pajamas, but not Qin Yinong. She bundled herself up tightly every day, her pajama sleeves buttoned at least to the second-to-last button. During that pajama party where other female stars competed in glamour, she wore a plain cotton set printed with SpongeBob SquarePants.

Netizens were stunned: [Qin Yinong, I misjudged you! What's with the cartoon pajamas? Show some ambition—wear silk! A camisole!]

The only person in the know, Qin Lunong, scoffed: What do you all know? These are her girlfriend's pajamas!

Indeed, the few sets of pajamas Qin Yinong packed in her luggage—completely unlike her usual style—all belonged to Tang Ruoyao, and they were her old ones. Every time Qin Lunong saw her swaggering around in SpongeBob or Doraemon pajamas, looking unbearably smug, she couldn't help but want to smack her.

And she actually did.

Netizens only saw their bickering and reaped endless amusement, but they only scratched the surface, never understanding the real reason. Otherwise, they'd realize this show was luring them in just to feed them dog food.

Later, before every recording, Qin Yinong would cling to Tang Ruoyao, leaving marks all over her body—almost everywhere—making her even more reluctant to expose any skin. Netizens jokingly called her "the old cadre."

Qin Yinong didn't explain. It worked out perfectly since Tang Ruoyao was fiercely jealous. By covering up on the show, Tang Ruoyao's jealousy lessened slightly. It wasn't that Qin Yinong couldn't handle Tang Ruoyao's antics, but Tang Ruoyao had learned to tease her—holding back, playing hard to get, trying every trick to make Qin Yinong beg for mercy. She was clearly surpassing her teacher.

Though Qin Yinong, the "teacher," was merely skilled with her mouth and hadn't yet graduated to using her hands.

Life had been stirred with a spoonful of honey, and this spring was filled with the fragrance of flowers.

Wen Shuxian opened an exquisitely gilded invitation on the table and let out a dramatic "Ah," sighing, "Can we say we're riding on Tang Tang's coattails? We're actually invited to the Qin family's home!"

Tomorrow was Qin Jianing's first birthday, and all of Room 405 had been invited to the celebration.

Cui Jiaran poked her head out from the top bunk and said, "Of course we are."

Wen Shuxian flicked the edge of the invitation with a casual snap of her fingers, producing a crisp sound. Immediately, she anxiously checked to see if she had damaged it and sighed in relief. Cui Jiaran, lying on the upper bunk, watched her and teased, "Serves you right for showing off."

Wen Shuxian snorted and started bickering with her.

The two chattered away for a while before noticing someone was unusually quiet.

It was Friday, and Tang Ruoyao had gone off to spend time with her girlfriend, leaving only three people in the dorm. Wen and Cui simultaneously turned their gaze toward Fu Yujun's seat, only to find her holding the invitation and... smiling?

How to describe that smile? It didn't match Fu Yujun's usual composed demeanor—there was a hint of infatuation in it. She even buried her face in the invitation at one point.

Wen Shuxian & Cui Jiaran: "..."

They stared at her as if she were some kind of monster.

Had she been possessed?

Fu Yujun continued smiling to herself for a while before realizing her roommates had caught her. Clearing her throat, she straightened up and asked, "What's wrong?"

Wen Shuxian's eyes darted around as she inquired, "What are you smiling about?"

Fu Yujun closed the invitation carefully and tucked it away, saying, "We're going to Queen Qin's niece's first birthday celebration tomorrow."

Wen Shuxian nodded eagerly. "Yeah, yeah. And?"

A smile spilled uncontrollably from Fu Yujun's lips, her voice softening. "Assistant Guan will definitely be there too."

Wen Shuxian, however, countered, "Not necessarily. Think about it—what's an assistant for? To handle external tasks. Tomorrow's her niece's birthday—what would she need an assistant for?"

Fu Yujun's smile slowly froze.

Wen Shuxian burst into laughter. "Just kidding! I already asked Tang Tang—Assistant Guan is going."

Fu Yujun: "..."

Wen Shuxian looked at her with concern. "What are you going to do? How can you chase someone when you're this timid?"

Fu Yujun waved her hand wearily. "You wouldn't understand."

Wen Shuxian pressed, "What don't I understand?"

Fu Yujun stayed silent.

Wen Shuxian got up to pour herself a glass of water and remarked, "But honestly, I really don't get it. How have you known her for almost a year and still can't even muster the courage to say a single word?"

Fu Yujun: "..." After a moment's hesitation, she ventured, "Maybe you two could help me tomorrow?"

Wen Shuxian slammed her cup down, excitedly punching her palm. "That's what I wanted to hear!" Her eyes gleamed. "How?"

Cui Jiaran climbed down from her bunk, and the two flanked Fu Yujun, waiting expectantly.

Faced with her roommates' enthusiasm, Fu Yujun's voice grew timid. She swallowed and proposed, "Tomorrow, we can create a game room and play PUBG together—you, you, me, and Assistant Guan. A four-player squad. What do you think?"

Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran exchanged a glance before silently climbing back into their respective bunks without another word.

That's it? That's all? That's all you've got?

Fu Yujun might as well stay single forever.

Tang Ruoyao spent Friday night at the Qin residence.

She wasn't there as a guest but as the lady of the house, standing at the entrance with Qin Yinong to greet the arriving guests. Nervous, she repeatedly buttoned and unbuttoned the top button of her collar.

Qin Yinong had invited a few industry friends whom Tang Ruoyao had never met before. She was afraid of making a bad impression and letting others think Qin Yinong had poor taste.

Qin Yinong caught her hand and held it in her palm, sighing, "You've already picked the button off."

Tang Ruoyao was shocked and quickly looked at the ground.

A light chuckle came from above her head.

Realizing she had been tricked again, Tang Ruoyao gave her a faint glare.

Qin Yinong laughed and said, "Yes, just like that. Whoever comes later, glare at them."

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but laugh. "You're so annoying."

The sound of Ningning's clear laughter came from inside the house. Qin Yinong clicked her tongue twice and said, "My sister is playing with her again. She's addicted to playing with kids lately. If I want to play with her, I have to fight with my sister for her."

Tang Ruoyao replied without hesitation, "Then let's have one of our own."

Qin Yinong was stunned. "What did you say?"

Tang Ruoyao took a deep breath and enunciated each word clearly, "I want to have a child with you."

Qin Yinong chuckled. "How old are you again?"

Tang Ruoyao said seriously, "I'll be twenty-one soon."

Qin Yinong studied her for a moment and, realizing she wasn't joking, felt a flicker of astonishment in her eyes.

Do young people these days not only propose marriage on a whim but also think about having children just like that?

Tang Ruoyao could tell what she was thinking just by her expression. Unfazed, she looked ahead and said leisurely, "I know you don't believe me and always think I'm acting on impulse. It's fine. In time, you'll realize that everything I say to you is well-considered."

Qin Yinong was momentarily speechless.

Tang Ruoyao continued on her own, "If we have a child in the future, I hope they take after you."

After a pause, Qin Yinong couldn't help but respond, "Better if they take after you."

The fact that she was willing to engage in this conversation made Tang Ruoyao happy. She asked, "Why?"

Qin Yinong said, "Ningning looks like her mother, which is close enough to looking like me. If we have another one who looks like me, wouldn't it be boring to see the same face twice? It's better if they look like you. I want to see what you were like as a child."

Tang Ruoyao's eyes sparkled. "Then let's have two, okay? One can look like me, and the other like you."

Qin Yinong smiled. "It's not that easy, is it?"

Tang Ruoyao puffed out her cheeks. "Just tell me—will you have a child with me or not?"

Qin Yinong looked at her indulgently. "Yes, yes, yes. Whatever you want to do, we'll do."

Tang Ruoyao, having successfully set her up, immediately exclaimed, "You agreed!"

Qin Yinong was baffled. "Agreed to what?"

Tang Ruoyao said, "To have a child with me!"

Qin Yinong protested, "When did I—" But Tang Ruoyao grabbed her hand and shook it, deploying her best puppy-dog eyes. Qin Yinong swallowed her words and said dotingly, "Fine, we'll have one."

"Two!"

"Alright."

"What should we name them?"

Qin Yinong fell silent for a few seconds before cautiously saying, "...Isn't it a bit too early to think about that?"

"You're right. I'll go look it up in the dictionary when I get back."

"..."

Qin Yinong stood at the door, holding Tang Ruoyao's hand. She looked down at their intertwined fingers and, for some reason, imagined a small figure appearing between them, holding both their hands.

Maybe having a child wouldn't be so bad? They could call her "Mom" and Tang Ruoyao "Mama," a family of three, bound by bl0od. Though two kids might be too much—too noisy and disruptive to their alone time.

The corners of Qin Yinong's lips curled up slightly.

A silver sports car appeared outside the iron gate. Qin Yinong pressed the remote to open it, putting aside her wandering thoughts.

Tang Ruoyao had trained in posture, standing tall and straight like a pine or bamboo, radiating youthful energy. That alone was enough to turn heads.

A woman wearing sunglasses stepped out of the coupe—the first guest of the Qin family had arrived.

Author's Note: 

Due to the lack of advertising fees paid by Ms. Qin Jianing from Side Story Two, the naming rights for the Hope Elementary School have been revoked xd

In Pomegranate's stories, you can even watch a live first-birthday grabbing ceremony. Front-row audience members, are you all seated and ready? Aaaaaaah!

[Note]: The theory about green beans and red beans seems to have been mentioned on I Can I BB, and the latter part is something I heard Li Yinhe say—neither can be guaranteed as the original source.

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