CHAPTER 279: Qin & Tang Extra 53

Tang Ruoyao was slightly taken aback.

Because the person who came down was an extremely young woman, seemingly around her own age. Dressed in a simple white top and pants, even her shoes were white, with long hair cascading down her shoulders and a pearl hairpin on one side. Her demeanor was fresh and clean.

'Is she one of Qin Yinong's friends? Why does she seem so unfamiliar? Is she not from the industry?'

Beautiful and young—Tang Ruoyao instinctively felt a sense of crisis.

Until the young woman, dressed like a white popsicle, stepped forward with a smile and called out, "Hello, Auntie."

A flicker of embarrassment flashed in Tang Ruoyao's eyes, and she quickly lowered her gaze to conceal her slight lapse in composure.

"Hello, Yunyao," Qin Yinong greeted her and introduced Tang Ruoyao beside her, saying, "This is my girlfriend, Tang Ruoyao." Then, to Tang Ruoyao, she added, "My niece, Ji Yunyao."

Tang Ruoyao's gaze was clear and bright as she extended her right hand. "Hello."

Ji Yunyao let out a meaningful "Oh" and said with a playful smile, "So you're Auntie's partner. It's a pleasure to meet you."

Their hands clasped briefly before parting.

Qin Yinong walked her into the house, but Ji Yunyao waved her off, indicating she didn't need to be escorted and could go about her business—acting very much at home.

Only after Ji Yunyao's figure disappeared did Qin Yinong sigh, a faint shadow of worry settling between her brows.

Tang Ruoyao asked softly, "What's wrong?"

Qin Yinong pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'll tell you tonight."

Qin Yinong was often away from home. After that, Ji Yunyao visited the Qin residence twice. While chatting with Qin Lunong, she casually asked about Ningning's first birthday celebration, and Qin Lunong answered truthfully. Ji Yunyao then asked if she could attend. The Qin sisters had no reason to refuse, so an extra invitation was printed and sent to her. They could only hope this unexpected variable would behave and not ruin Ningning's special day.

"Auntie Lu," Ji Yunyao strode over, calling out to Qin Lunong, but her eyes were fixed on the adorable little bundle nestled in her arms. She reached out and scooped Ningning up, the sweet scent of milk enveloping her.

Ji Yunyao buried her face in the child's neck and took a deep breath, as if savoring the moment.

Ningning chirped in her tiny voice, "Sister Yaoyao."

Ji Yunyao beamed with delight.

"Did you miss me?" Ji Yunyao leaned her left cheek forward.

Ningning pressed her soft lips against it.

Ji Yunyao sat down, placing Ningning on her lap, and held both of the child's little hands, playing with her.

Qin Lunong glanced at Qin Jianing, giggling in Ji Yunyao's arms, and shook her head with a smile before going to make tea for Ji Yunyao.

The little one was becoming more and more at ease and cheerful, especially how she laughed at the slightest tease—just like Qin Yinong as a child. It was as if her genes had somehow realigned as she grew.

The second to arrive was Lin Ruohan.

Lin Ruohan came alone. Qin Yinong stared hard at the space behind her, utterly baffled that the possessive Ren Xingyue—who practically kept Lin Ruohan tied to her belt—wasn't there. Had the sun risen from the west today?

Lin Ruohan raised a hand to block Qin Yinong's line of sight before lowering it. "Stop looking. She's busy and couldn't make it."

Qin Yinong decided to take her word for it—there wasn't much else she could do.

Tang Ruoyao greeted, "Hello, Teacher Lin."

Lin Ruohan, falling back into old habits, whistled at her. With Ren Xingyue absent, she could let loose even more.

Qin Yinong cleared her throat as a warning. "Behave."

Lin Ruohan replied, "I know. Where's the kid? Is she inside?"

She spoke as she walked inside, with Qin Yinong accompanying her into the inner residence. Lin Ruohan changed her shoes at the entrance and spotted a white figure standing in the center of the living room. Her face immediately darkened as she lowered her voice to ask, "Why is Ji Yunyao here?"

Qin Yinong shrugged. "She's already here. Do you dare to kick her out?"

Lin Ruohan rolled up her sleeves. "What's there to be afraid of?" After a pause, she added, "Well, actually, this is one thing I wouldn't dare to do. Hahaha."

Qin Yinong: "..."

Since she was already here, they might as well make the best of it. Lin Ruohan didn't like Ji Yunyao, but it wasn't out of fear. Both were from prominent families in the capital—the Ji family was merely wealthier, but the Lin family's heritage was no less distinguished.

Lin Ruohan put on a polite smile. "Hello, Yunyao."

Hearing her name, Ji Yunyao turned around and nodded gracefully. "Hello, Auntie Ruohan."

Unfortunately for Ji Yunyao, Lin Ruohan happened to hold a senior position in the family hierarchy. Aside from the one-year-old Ningning, everyone in the room was technically her elder. Even though Ji Yunyao didn't care much about seniority, she couldn't help but twitch her lips slightly.

Lin Ruohan's eyes immediately landed on the pink bundle in Ji Yunyao's arms and she exclaimed delightedly, "Is this Ningning?"

Ningning shrank back into Ji Yunyao's embrace, blinking her long lashes as she peeked timidly at Lin Ruohan.

Qin Lunong, holding a teapot, said, "Say hello to Auntie."

Clutching Ji Yunyao's hand, Ningning murmured softly, "Hello, Auntie."

Lin Ruohan's heart melted. "Qin Yinong's sister, can I hold her?"

Qin Lunong walked over to Qin Jianing and bent down slightly, pointing at Lin Ruohan. "Would you like this pretty auntie to hold you?"

Ningning nodded shyly.

Qin Lunong wasn't surprised in the slightest—Ningning was always more agreeable when it came to beautiful people.

Lin Ruohan cradled the little bundle in her arms, utterly enchanted.

As more and more guests arrived—mostly women—Qin Jianing proved herself to be the ultimate heartthrob for the older ladies. Eventually, a queue formed for those who wanted to hold her. Qin Jianing basked in the attention, graciously allowing everyone their turn.

Ji Yunyao stood to the side with her hands tucked in her sleeves, a faint, gentle smile playing on her lips.

Qin Yinong glanced at her, but the smile had already become inscrutable again, as if that rare moment of tenderness had never existed.

Qin Yinong didn't bother dwelling on it.

The guests from Dorm 405 arrived later in the order. Finally, a few familiar faces to Tang Ruoyao appeared. The three of them immediately pulled Tang Ruoyao aside at the entrance, chattering excitedly.

Wen Shuxian said, "We actually planned to leave early, but Lao Fu kept agonizing over what to wear and whether her makeup looked good today, making us all second-guess ourselves too."

Cui Jiaran added, "In the end, she just went with her original outfit."

Wen Shuxian sighed. "How is it that you're already getting married while she hasn't even managed to strike up a conversation? The difference between people is just too vast."

Fu Yujun wore an expression of resigned despair, as if silently accepting their teasing.

Wen Shuxian craned her neck to look around. "Is Assistant Guan here yet?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "She's here." She tilted her chin slightly. "Right behind you."

Wen Shuxian gasped. "Oh my god!" She spun around immediately.

Fu Yujun froze on the spot, stiff as a lamppost, not daring to move a muscle.

Wen Shuxian laughed. "Hahaha, there's no one there! You've learned to trick us now."

Tang Ruoyao smiled faintly. "Assistant Guan arrived a while ago. She's inside."

Only then did Fu Yujun speak up. "You're not lying this time, are you?"

Tang Ruoyao pursed her lips. "Why don't you go see for yourself?" She turned to Qin Yinong. "I'll take them inside."

Qin Yinong nodded. "I'll go with you."

In Wen Shuxian's dictionary, the words "acting like a stranger" simply didn't exist. The room was filled with superstars she rarely got to see, making her as happy as a mouse that had fallen into a rice bin. Birds of a feather flock together—Qin Yinong had a gentle temperament, and her friends were equally approachable. Wen Shuxian went around introducing herself to each of them, and the seniors all smiled back at her. Before long, they were all mingling together, joining the queue for autographs.

Among the seniors was a graduate from the Capital Drama Academy. Wen Shuxian immediately affectionately called her "senior sister." With her sweet looks and naturally endearing charm, her smile alone could brighten anyone's mood. The senior sister was so amused by her that she couldn't stop laughing.

The senior sister was waiting to hold Ningning and sat chatting with Wen Shuxian, asking if she had signed with an agency yet. Wen Shuxian said she had—with Universe Pictures. The senior sister exclaimed, "Impressive!" then added in a hushed tone, "What a coincidence—the heiress of Universe Pictures is right here." pointing in Ji Yunyao's direction.

Ji Yunyao had only recently returned to the country and had been with Universe Pictures for an even shorter time. Wen Shuxian was still an unknown at the company, having neither met nor heard much about her. Since Ji Yunyao clearly kept people at arm's length, and Wen Shuxian wasn't the type to curry favor with superiors, she was perfectly content not forcing any closeness and simply pretended not to hear, continuing to chat cheerfully with her senior sister.

Before long, she had collected all the autographs and even managed to snap some group photos. At that moment, she felt like the ultimate winner in life, brimming with happiness.

Just as this "winner in life" tilted her head, she noticed Fu Yujun secretly observing Guan Han.

Wen Shuxian: "..."

She had already chatted with everyone, yet this coward Fu Yujun still hadn't mustered the courage to speak?

Wen Shuxian called out loudly, "Assistant Guan!"

Though Guan Han was one of the invited guests, her instincts as an assistant were deeply ingrained. The moment Wen Shuxian called her, she immediately straightened up and walked over. "What is it?"

Wen Shuxian pointed at Fu Yujun beside her. "My roommate here—"

Fu Yujun shuddered, frantically signaling Wen Shuxian with her eyes.

'Don't you dare say anything stupid!'

Guan Han sensed the undercurrent between the two, her gaze flickering with confusion.

"She—" Wen Shuxian drew out the word, then abruptly changed tack, "—she needs to use the restroom."

Guan Han: "???"

'And?'

Wen Shuxian grinned. "But she doesn't know the way. Could you take her there, please?"

Guan Han turned to look at the restroom just a dozen steps away.

'Can't you see it?'

Fu Yujun resisted the urge to facepalm. She lifted her head, her refined, jade-like features tinged with an unnatural embarrassment that spoke volumes.

Guan Han said, "Please follow me."

Fu Yujun pushed herself up from her knees, shooting a glare at Wen Shuxian, who responded with a playful sticking out of her tongue.

Guan Han escorted Fu Yujun to the restroom door and said, "It's here."

She turned to leave immediately, but Fu Yujun reached out and caught her wrist. "Wait."

A flicker of surprise passed through Guan Han's eyes. Then, Fu Yujun felt the wrist in her hand suddenly tense up, filled with a force that felt like it would break her presumptuous fingers in the next second.

Guan Han closed her eyes, silently reminding herself several times that this was Qin Yinong's guest.

The tension gradually eased, and Guan Han withdrew her wrist from Fu Yujun's grip before turning back. "Is there anything else?" Her expression was even colder than before.

Fu Yujun wanted to cry but had no tears left.

"I'm sorry," she said. "I just wanted to thank you and acted impulsively, so—"

Guan Han replied coolly, "It's fine."

Fu Yujun wore an awkward expression, pressing her lips together.

Guan Han said, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave first." She glanced down at her wrist and added, "I hope Miss Fu won't act impulsively next time. I don't like physical contact with others. Please excuse me."

This was undoubtedly the most Guan Han had ever spoken to Fu Yujun in one go, but it was also the most disheartening moment for her.

Guan Han walked far away, while Fu Yujun remained standing in place, lost in thought.

Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran observed the scene from a distance, exchanging glances.

Wen Shuxian said sympathetically, "It was a total disaster."

Cui Jiaran shook her head and sighed, "Absolutely merciless."

A voice chimed in indignantly, "Downright inhumane!"

Wen shuxian and Cui Jiaran both turned their heads to find an extra head between them—Lin Ruohan had appeared out of nowhere. She draped an arm over each of their shoulders and whispered, just loud enough for the three of them to hear, "That Fu girl, does she like Guan Han?"

Wen Shuxian's eyes darted around nervously. Lin Ruohan chuckled, "No need to look around—you can't fool my sharp eyes." She added gleefully, "To think someone actually dares to like Guan Han. That's a lot of courage."

Wen Shuxian murmured, "That's what we all think, but feelings are feelings. What can you do?"

Lin Ruohan grinned at her and said, "You're right, but solutions are like sponges—you can always squeeze something out."

Wen Shuxian wondered if that was really the right analogy.

Lin Ruohan had just returned from Ningning's side and had a while before her turn came up again. Bored and restless, she had stumbled upon something interesting and wasn't about to let it go. Guan Han was notoriously unapproachable, and Lin Ruohan couldn't immediately think of a way to break through her defenses. She tapped her chin, deep in thought.

Meanwhile, Qin Yinong had welcomed the last guest and returned to the house. Over a dozen people were gathered in a circle around Ningning, either sitting or standing.

Ningning clutched a plush toy given to her by one of the aunties, shifting from one person to another—sometimes coaxed into someone's arms with clapping, sometimes lured away by a funny face or a new trinket.

Qin Jianing had already taken off her coat, her cheeks flushed and her forehead glistening with sweat.

Qin Yinong clicked her tongue and said, "Alright, that's enough. Have none of you ever seen a child before?"

One friend gently wiped the sweat from the child's forehead with a tissue and said, "We've just never seen one as adorable as this."

Another chimed in, "Unlike the little troublemaker in my house." shaking her head as if she didn't even want to mention it.

Qin Yinong rescued Ningning from the clutches of one particularly enthusiastic aunt and handed her to Qin Lunong, instructing, "Change her clothes so she doesn't catch a cold later."

Qin Lunong nodded and took Ningning away.

Her profession was very different from the people in the room, and she wasn't particularly sociable by nature. After the initial greetings, she had mostly stayed on the sidelines, observing. If anything, she had spoken the most with Ji Yunyao—mostly about Ningning.

Lin Ruohan, sitting cross-legged on the floor, remarked, "I never realized you had such maternal instincts before. When are you planning to have kids?"

Qin Yinong shot back, "When are you planning to?" Lin Ruohan had always longed for a family and loved children, but her luck with relationships had been poor—none of her past girlfriends had lasted long enough to discuss marriage.

Lin Ruohan smirked and said, "Definitely before you."

"Is that so?" Qin Yinong smiled faintly, neither confirming nor denying it.

Lin Ruohan keenly sensed an unusual atmosphere, but unfortunately, Qin Yinong didn't give her the chance to press further. Instead, Qin Yinong sat down on the sofa and began asking about their friends' recent lives. Most people in their circle were busy with work, leaving little time to gather.

As it turned out, no matter how successful a woman was in her career, once a group got together, it was like five thousand ducks quacking at once.

Ji Yunyao didn't join in, opting instead to go to the room and play with Ningning.

The four from Dorm 405 formed their own clique, always having endless things to talk about.

And then there was one person who always stayed on the fringes of the crowd—Guan Han. She found a quiet corner, leaned against the wall, and played on her phone. During her downtime, she occasionally browsed gossip to pass the time.

She didn't like noisy environments. A couple of people were fine, but any more than that felt overwhelming.

She opened an entertainment post, skimming through it quickly, when she heard someone call, "Assistant Guan."

Guan Han looked up—it was Tang Ruoyao.

Since Tang Ruoyao was sitting on the floor, Guan Han crouched down when she approached and said, "Miss Yao."

Tang Ruoyao patted the spot beside her. "Sit down."

Guan Han looked hesitant.

Tang Ruoyao said, "Sit down. You're a guest today—it's boring to be alone."

Guan Han braced one hand on the floor and sat down.

Amid the lively atmosphere, a sudden chill spread from her presence like a block of ice. Wen Shuxian, sticking to the plan, said, "Let's play a game."

Cui Jiaran played along. "What game?"

Wen Shuxian pulled out her phone and said casually, "PUBG—it's really popular right now. We can squad up."

Guan Han counted—one, two, three, four—just enough without including herself.

Wen Shuxian glanced around. "Do you all know how to play?"

Fu Yujun replied without batting an eye, "I don't."

Wen Shuxian hesitated. "Then..." She turned her gaze to Guan Han, who immediately said, "I don't play."

Wen Shuxian shrugged. "Then it'll just be the four of us."

The four logged into the game, entered a room, and started right away.

Guan Han sat stiffly upright, using her 1.5 vision to watch Tang Ruoyao skillfully parachute down, deftly maneuvering her character into a building, picking up gear, jumping out a window, rolling to dodge enemy fire, taking cover, and landing a clean headshot to secure the first kill.

Guan Han remained expressionless but inwardly gasped.

'As expected of you, Miss Yao!'

Just then, she heard a clear, gentle voice from across the room—though it sounded utterly lost and helpless.

"I picked up a bandage. What's it for?"

Wen Shuxian, multitasking, answered quickly, "Healing."

"Oh." Fu Yujun played the part of a complete noob flawlessly. Less than three seconds later, she asked again, "Level three armor—can I just put it on?"

Wen Shuxian was furiously tapping her screen, seemingly in the middle of a firefight. After a few seconds, she replied, "Yeah."

[System message: xxx eliminated Beautiful and Wild.]

Wen Shuxian glanced at it and exclaimed, "How did you die?!"

Fu Yujun said blankly, "I don't know. I turned into a loot box before I even saw what happened."

A faint, almost subtle smile flickered at the corner of Guan Han's lips.

So there was someone as terrible at this as she was.

In the first round, Tang Ruoyao smoothly secured first place, leading the team to victory. The three cheered and high-fived, while Fu Yujun, who had died early, hung her head.

The second round began.

The battle was even fiercer.

Fu Yujun continued her clueless questioning. "I found a bottle of painkiller."

Wen Shuxian tapped frantically at her screen, answering even faster this time. "Keep it!"

Fu Yujun let out a soft "Oh," then mumbled, "You still haven't told me how to use it."

Fu Yujun continued, "I picked up a gun—it looks really powerful, but I don't know how to reload." She leaned toward Wen Shuxian with her phone in hand. However, Wen Shuxian was too busy gaming to spare a glance. With a quick sweep of her eyes, she spotted Guan Han free and called for help, "Assistant Guan, can you please teach her?"

Guan Han blinked. "Me?"

Tang Ruoyao chimed in, "Sister Guan Han, just take a quick look for her."

Guan Han paused for two seconds before replying, "Okay."

She moved to Fu Yujun's side, her gaze landing on the hands holding the phone screen. Those fingers were pale and slender, like an artist's, yet they were currently butchering the game—turning a sleek car into a sputtering tractor.

Guan Han couldn't bear to watch. "Use your left hand to steer. Slow down, don't panic."

'Tsk.' She hadn't expected Fu Yujun to be even worse than her.

Fu Yujun adjusted slightly, making a slight improvement. She turned to look at Guan Han, her eyes bright with anticipation, as if waiting for praise.

Meeting those amber-brown eyes for the first time, Guan Han gave a faint hum and said, "Keep it up."

There was at least three fists' worth of distance between their shoulders, yet Fu Yujun's bl0od seemed to freeze—only to surge hot and restless moments later. Just from that indifferent glance from Guan Han, her heart raced wildly, a faint blush spreading across her cheeks as she lightly bit her lower lip.

The other three in Dorm 405, secretly watching her: "..."

'Lao Fu is done for.'

Wen Shuxian couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Cui Jiaran elbowed her.

Tang Ruoyao cleared her throat, signaling them not to ruin the moment.

Guan Han, fully focused on Fu Yujun's screen, had no idea that the only sound Fu Yujun could hear was her own breathing—close enough to send shivers down her spine.

Suddenly, Guan Han barked, "Enemy! Quick! Run them over!"

All four of them were startled.

Tang Ruoyao nearly dropped the gun she'd just picked up.

Guan Han urged, "Run them over! To the left! Left!"

Fu Yujun "struggled" with the controls, driving straight toward the enemy who had appeared out of nowhere. But due to her "bad skills," she not only failed to kill the opponent but got taken out instead.

Guan Han: "..." 'Being this bad takes effort. Can't she even tell her left from right?

Fu Yujun said in a low voice, "Sorry."

Guan Han, to her surprise, found a bit of a connection. "It's okay. Try harder in the next round."

Wen Shuxian put on a serious face, "I need to use the restroom."

Cui Jiaran added, "Me too."

Only Tang Ruoyao, with her calm composure, remained seated. When Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran didn't return for a while, it was clear they were laughing their heads off in the bathroom. Tang Ruoyao stood and walked over to Qin Yinong, stopping behind the sofa to gently caress the woman's face.

Qin Yinong, mid-conversation with friends, instinctively caught Tang Ruoyao's hand. Before her brain could catch up, she pressed a kiss to the back of it.

Tang Ruoyao's entire face burned as bl0od rushed to her cheeks.

'What is she doing?! There are so many people here!'

Wow!

Their friends were stunned—then erupted into chaotic cheers.

Lin Ruohan led the chant: "Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"

Qin Yinong glared at her.

Lin Ruohan, unfazed, laughed and continued, "Kiss! Kiss!"

Soon, the scattered shouts unified into a rhythmic chorus: "Kiss! Kiss!"

Wen Shuxian and Cui Jiaran wiped away their tears of laughter. Just as they stepped out of the bathroom, they stumbled upon this grand spectacle. Wen Shuxian dashed to the center of the living room in a flash, cupping her hands like a megaphone around her mouth and shouting at the top of her lungs, "Kiss! Kiss!"

Cui Jiaran joined in a beat later.

Qin Lunong, hearing the commotion outside, hurried out of her room and quickly became part of the cheering crowd.

Fu Yujun glanced at Guan Han, who remained as calm as ever. Fu Yujun stood up, clapping her hands as she joined in. Only then did a spark ignite in Guan Han's eyes. She lifted her gaze toward the two being teased in the center of the living room, never expecting to catch an unexpected glimpse in her peripheral vision.

Fu Yujun was wearing a pleated skirt that barely reached her knees today. To get a better view of the situation on the sofa, she even rose onto her tiptoes, her long, straight legs stretching all the way up to...

Guan Han subtly averted her eyes, shaking the image of the view under the skirt from her mind.

Qin Yinong was getting a headache from all the noise. With a smile, she gave Tang Ruoyao a quick peck before letting go, lazily curling her lips as she asked, "Happy now?"

Lin Ruohan yelled, "Not enough! We want a three-minute French kiss!"

Qin Yinong plucked a peanut from the box on the coffee table and tossed it at her.

Lin Ruohan dodged nimbly, still clamoring for the three minutes. But not everyone was as shameless as her—couldn't she see Tang Ruoyao's face was already burning red?

Unwilling to give up, Lin Ruohan declared, "You have to do it at the wedding, then."

Qin Yinong replied, "We'll see when the time comes." She wasn't about to make promises recklessly—she'd have to consult Tang Ruoyao first.

The group buzzed with more questions: "When are you planning to get married?"

Qin Yinong couldn't say for sure, but her expression radiated confidence. "Just wait at home for the invitations, alright?"

The adult world was full of unpredictable hues. Qin Yinong sent the blushing Tang Ruoyao back to safety while she dealt with the rowdy bunch herself.

Dorm 405 was reunited once more.

Fu Yujun played the role of a clueless newbie to perfection, her supposedly "carry-the-team" skills ending in failure every time for one reason or another.

Guan Han frowned, unconsciously inching closer until she was just a fist's distance from Fu Yujun's shoulder.

Just as Fu Yujun was about to discard a perfectly good gun because her inventory was full, Guan Han noticed she was using a piece of junk instead. She quickly exclaimed, "Hey—" but Fu Yujun's actions didn't stop. Guan Han reached out to intercept her.

Their fingertips brushed, sending an invisible current through them.

Fu Yujun stiffened, her breath catching in her throat.

Guan Han moved her troublesome thumb away, calmly withdrawing her hand as if nothing had happened. "Switch guns," she said evenly.

Fu Yujun swapped guns and had just stepped out of the building when a hail of bullets from nowhere took her down, leaving only a loot box on the ground as her screen turned gray.

Fu Yujun: "..."

This time, she really hadn't died on purpose.

Guan Han checked the remaining player count and praised, "Not bad, you're improving." Only eighty players left—getting close to her level. With a bit more effort, Fu Yujun might even catch up.

Fu Yujun stood up calmly. "I'm going to the restroom."

Wen Shuxian waved her off. "Go ahead, go ahead."

Once inside the bathroom, Fu Yujun locked the door, leaning against it as she couldn't help but break into a wide, delighted smile.

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