CHAPTER 281: Qin & Tang Extra 55

A piercing scream tore through the sky above the Capital Drama Academy.

The girl who had let out the cry tightly covered her mouth, while others followed her gaze and, reacting just like her, gasped in shock, raising their hands to their mouths.

A group of four roommates had taken a shortcut nearby, and the one leading suddenly stopped in her tracks. The roommates behind her, caught off guard, bumped into each other like a string of candied haws on a stick.

The second "hawthorn," chewing gum, asked the girl in front, "Why did you stop all of a sudden??"

The leading roommate stood frozen, pointing dumbfounded toward the entrance of Building 26.

The gum-chewing girl squinted in that direction.

As if struck by lightning, she stiffened on the spot.

Swallowing hard, she said in disbelief, "Isn't that... that person...?"

"Steamed buns, soy milk, or fried dough sticks—which one do you want?" Qin Yinong held up the bags with both hands, the smile in her eyes more exquisite and beautiful than the morning sun. After a pause, she offered the last option, saying leisurely, "Or how about... me?"

In broad daylight, Tang Ruoyao was a little embarrassed. She bit her lip lightly and reached for the paper bags in Qin Yinong's hands.

Qin Yinong mischievously pulled them away. "You haven't given me an answer yet."

Tang Ruoyao shot her a look that was not quite a glare and not quite a pout. "Breakfast."

Qin Yinong pouted and muttered, "Am I really not as appealing as breakfast?"

Having been together for so long, Tang Ruoyao knew she was just playfully fishing for attention. But with so many people around, she was too embarrassed to openly indulge her. Instead, she gently brushed the back of Qin Yinong's hand with her fingers.

Well, that counted as coaxing.

The noise around them grew increasingly chaotic. The entrance of Building 26 was now packed, with students holding up their phones to snap photos, their faces alight with excitement as they clicked away incessantly.

Tang Ruoyao began to reflect: Had it been the right decision to let Qin Yinong make such a high-profile appearance?

But Qin Yinong clearly had no intention of keeping a low profile. She nodded politely toward the three members of Dorm 405. Witnessing the real-life sugar rush right before their eyes, Wen Shuxian was so overwhelmed with excitement that her face flushed red, and she had to lean on Cui Jiaran's arm to steady herself.

Qin Yinong said apologetically, "Sorry, I didn't bring breakfast for you all."

Fu Yujun replied, "We already ate in the dorm."

That morning, Tang Ruoyao had woken up unusually early, making them wonder if she had even slept at all. She had been grinning foolishly all morning, and when her roommates asked, they learned that Qin Yinong was coming to deliver breakfast. They had all quickly settled for cereal and milk on their own.

Such a special breakfast—better not to intrude.

Qin Yinong glanced at her wristwatch and said, "It's getting late. Let me walk you to class."

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

'To class? Right now?!'

Fu Yujun also thought to herself: Given Qin Yinong's immense popularity, by the time she escorted them to class, the lecture would probably be over.

Qin Yinong shifted the paper bags of breakfast to one hand, turned around, and swept her gaze over the surrounding students.

Silence fell instantly.

Her expression wasn't stern—it carried her usual warmth as she politely requested, "Would you all mind making way, please?"

University students were a relatively well-mannered group, especially in an institution with such a strong academic atmosphere. And Qin Yinong was no ordinary person. The moment she spoke, it was as if the Red Sea had parted—the students blocking her path immediately stepped aside to create a clear walkway.

Qin Yinong naturally took Tang Ruoyao's hand, tilting her head with a smile as she said, "Let's go."

Tang Ruoyao froze for a moment before walking forward hand in hand with her.

The surrounding crowd erupted into cheers—whether out of surprise or sheer nosiness was unclear—and the sound of phone cameras clicking grew even more frequent.

Tang Ruoyao self-consciously tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, lowering her gaze.

Qin Yinong leaned closer and teased in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Feeling shy?"

Tang Ruoyao didn't respond, but the tips of her ears turned faintly red.

Qin Yinong whispered, "I'll be coming often from now on, so you'd better get used to it." Her words were almost breathless, spoken right against Tang Ruoyao's reddened ear, causing the entire ear to burn even hotter, standing out starkly against her otherwise fair and translucent skin.

The two conversed as if no one else was around—or more accurately, Qin Yinong was the one teasing Tang Ruoyao. The gazes around them were intense, and Qin Yinong instinctively felt they were fixed on Tang Ruoyao. She brushed the long hair that had been tucked behind Tang Ruoyao's ear back into place, covering the flushed skin, and only then did she feel somewhat satisfied.

She set aside her playful mood, transforming in an instant from a mischievous rogue into a proper, upright figure.

The students followed at a distance, and one bold girl couldn't resist asking, "Queen Qin, what's your relationship with Tang Ruoyao?"

Qin Yinong replied, "Does Principal Sun know you're all such gossips?"

The students taking photos burst into laughter.

Another student called out, "Queen Qin, can we get your autograph?"

Qin Yinong said, "Sure, but let me walk Tang Ruoyao to her classroom first."

A student asked, "Did you come all this way just to bring Tang Ruoyao breakfast?"

Qin Yinong feigned confusion, "Do I not look like it? What do I look like I'm here for? To pick a fight?"

The students dissolved into laughter again.

As Qin Yinong chatted and laughed with the students, Tang Ruoyao felt a pang of jealousy. Qin Yinong was supposed to be here just for her, yet she had to entertain all these people. She pinched the back of Qin Yinong's hand lightly with her fingertips, and Qin Yinong immediately understood, saying, "Alright, no more talking."

The girl who had asked earlier laughed loudly, "Why stop now? Did Tang Ruoyao tell you not to?"

Qin Yinong gave her a knowing look—one that said she saw through it but wouldn't voice it.

A spectacular scene unfolded on campus: Qin Yinong walked hand in hand with Tang Ruoyao at the front, followed a step behind by Guan Han, and further back by the three roommates from Dorm 405. Surrounding them, at varying distances, were clusters of students holding up their phones to film the scene, turning it into something more like a fan meetup than an ordinary walk to class.

The crowd grew larger as they moved forward—human nature loves a spectacle. Those joining from behind couldn't see what was happening up front and asked, "What's going on? Did [celebrity name] come back to campus?"

The acting department at the Capital Drama Academy had its share of early-debuting idols who later enrolled as students. Their appearances usually caused small gatherings and commotions, but this time, the scale seemed unusually large.

A student at the front shook their head mysteriously, drawing out the suspense. "Those guys are nothing compared to this. Today's visitor is a true superstar!"

The curious student pressed forward, "Who is it?"

Others followed suit, eager to find out.

Tang Ruoyao's classroom was on the third floor. Qin Yinong had originally planned to escort her all the way up, but the stairwell was too narrow. Worried about the crowd of students pushing too closely and causing a stampede, she only walked her to the building's entrance.

Tang Ruoyao took the breakfast that had been carried all the way in her hands and said in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, "I'll go up first."

Qin Yinong smiled brightly and waved at her. "Go ahead."

Tang Ruoyao walked forward with her head down, but after a few steps, she suddenly ran back and hugged her, giving Qin Yinong no time to react before running off without looking back.

The onlookers let out a chorus of surprised "Wow"s.

Under Guan Han's protection, Qin Yinong held a small impromptu autograph session by the roadside without obstructing traffic.

After signing for several dozen people, a few coughs came from the edge of the crowd. The students gradually made way, their eyes fixed on a man in his fifties or sixties wearing gray casual clothes as he approached.

"Principal."

"Hello, Principal."

Greetings rose one after another. Principal Sun, with a kindly expression, said, "Disperse now."

The students glanced at Qin Yinong, then at the principal, and obediently scattered.

Qin Yinong smiled faintly. "Lao Sun, long time no see."

Principal Sun sighed with a smile. "Long time no see."

Ten minutes later, Qin Yinong was seated in Principal Sun's office.

The principal dismissed his secretary with a wave and personally brewed a pot of Longjing tea harvested before the Qingming Festival. In a joking tone, he grumbled, "Do you realize you've caused quite a stir? A big star like you, appearing out of nowhere—next time, at least give me a heads-up."

Qin Yinong accepted the hot tea with both hands, inhaled its delicate fragrance, and set it aside with a smile. "I came for personal reasons. You're swamped with work—wouldn't telling you just be a waste of public resources?"

Principal Sun had only been informed of her sudden appearance at the school and rushed over immediately. Now, it seemed there was more to the story.

"What personal reasons?"

"Nothing major." Qin Yinong shrugged, speaking as if it were the most ordinary thing. "My fiancée is a student here."

"Oh, fiancée." Principal Sun's hand trembled, spilling tea. The scalding liquid splashed onto his hand, but he paid it no mind. His voice suddenly rose an octave. "Fiancée—?!"

Since when did she have a fiancée? And a wife, no less?!

Qin Yinong handed him a tissue. Principal Sun wiped the tea from his hand, took a moment to compose himself, and finally said, shaken, "A teacher here? Which department?"

Qin Yinong smiled faintly. "No, a student."

Principal Sun gave her a deeply complicated look, as if barely restraining himself from calling her a beast.

Qin Yinong rubbed the back of her nose sheepishly, sighed in mock shame, and met his gaze unflinchingly.

Given their years of friendship, Principal Sun couldn't exactly turn red-faced and furious over this. But he was still simmering, so he took Qin Yinong's cup of tea away.

Qin Yinong laughed helplessly. "I haven't even had a sip yet."

Principal Sun glared. "Do you even deserve my tea?"

Qin Yinong nodded obediently. "No, I don't."

Seeing her repentant attitude, Principal Sun's anger eased slightly. After all, university wasn't high school—students were adults, capable of deciding their own futures. Though given Qin Yinong's age and experience, dating a student still green to the world did seem like taking advantage, if it was consensual, it wasn't his place as principal to play the villain.

He returned the tea to her. "Who is it?"

Qin Yinong: "Tang Ruoyao. Not sure if you've heard of her—Performance Department, top of her class."

Her tone carried a hint of unmistakable pride.

Before becoming the principal, Principal Sun was also an actor and still occasionally guest-stars in films. Naturally, he paid a bit more attention to the acting department. He said, "Sounds somewhat familiar. Let me check."

Principal Sun logged into the school's academic affairs system and pulled up Tang Ruoyao's electronic records and transcripts. Her GPA was outstanding.

Her studies hadn't been affected.

Principal Sun raised an eyebrow, his mood improving slightly. "When did the fiancée thing happen?"

"Last year," Qin Yinong replied, taking a sip of the now-cooled Longjing tea. "We've known each other since childhood. It's not some big bad wolf seducing a little white rabbit scenario you're imagining."

Principal Sun's eyes lit up with gossip. "Childhood sweethearts?"

Qin Yinong leisurely sipped her tea and gave him a sidelong glance. "Do I really need to share the details with you?"

Principal Sun: "Give me back my tea."

Qin Yinong downed the cup in one gulp and showed him the empty bottom.

Principal Sun poured her another cup, then suddenly hissed lightly. "This Tang Ruoyao—is she the one who won Best Newcomer at last year's Golden Rose Awards?"

Qin Yinong immediately responded, "That's her. Impressive, isn't she?"

Principal Sun: "..."

'Whatever makes you happy.'

Principal Sun frowned slightly. "You're not planning to come here every day, are you?" The campus couldn't handle daily traffic jams like today's.

Qin Yinong said, "No." Just as Principal Sun began to look relieved, she added with a smile, "I'll come whenever I'm free."

Principal Sun nearly fainted.

Qin Yinong grinned at him reassuringly. "I know what you're worried about. If I come a few more times, the students will get used to it. Look at that award-winning actor Xie—he still goes to the cafeteria all the time, and no one bats an eye anymore. It's just normal now."

Principal Sun: "..."

'Thank you, but that's not comforting at all.'

Qin Yinong pressed further, "How about giving me an ID card?"

Was this even a reasonable request?

Principal Sun's face turned red with suppressed frustration, barely holding back a curse.

Qin Yinong thought for a moment and said, "I'll let your school hire me as a guest professor."

Her tone suggested they were getting an incredible deal, and Principal Sun couldn't even argue. Some art schools did hire celebrities as guest professors for their star power. While other celebrities' effectiveness in academia was debatable, Qin Yinong was undoubtedly a rare catch.

The undisputed queen of Chinese cinema.

With her as a guest professor, the Capital Drama Academy's standing among the top three acting schools would rise even higher.

After weighing the pros and cons, Principal Sun's resolve wavered.

Qin Yinong added, "Free lectures, no charge."

Principal Sun's eyes gleamed. "Deal!"

Qin Yinong's appearance fees were notoriously high, and aside from filming and promotions, she rarely participated in such events.

Qin Yinong held out her hand, palm up. "ID card."

All traces of annoyance vanished from Principal Sun's face, replaced by sheer delight. "I'll have someone prepare one for you right away."

Qin Yinong said, "But let me be clear—my free services only last until my fiancée graduates. After that, if you want me to do anything, you'll have to pay."

Principal Sun wasn't shameless. "Of course."

Expecting Qin Yinong, the shrewd woman, to work for free forever was unrealistic.

Afraid she might change her mind, the school's HR department acted swiftly, promptly delivering a brand-new faculty campus card. Qin Yinong turned it over in her hands, examining it closely, and couldn't help but smile.

Suddenly, they had become teacher and student.

Qin Yinong pinched the card between her fingers, raising an eyebrow as she asked, "Can this card get me into the library?"

Principal Sun replied, "Of course." It has the same privileges as other faculty members.

An ominous feeling suddenly crept over him.

Principal Sun slowly said, "You wouldn't... actually plan to... go to the library... would you?" His eyes widened as if they might pop out of their sockets.

Qin Yinong pressed her lips together in a smile, her silence speaking volumes.

After going through the trouble of getting the card, how could she not visit the library? She had never studied with Tang Ruoyao before.

"..."

Principal Sun could only silently pray that the students would quickly adjust to having such a formidable presence on campus.

......

Tang Ruoyao entered the classroom carrying breakfast, her ears tinged red as she kept her head bowed low.

Placing the paper bag on her lap, she pulled out a still-warm fried dough stick and ate it with some soy milk. Qin Yinong had bought a little of everything—more than just those three items—but Tang Ruoyao had a small appetite. The intense gazes around her felt almost scorching, and she accidentally choked on her soy milk, coughing lightly.

Wen Shuxian patted her back.

Tang Ruoyao raised a hand, signaling that she was fine.

The classroom buzzed with whispers and chatter. Those who hadn't heard the news were quickly filled in by those in the know.

Tang Ruoyao's sharp ears occasionally caught Qin Yinong's name in the murmurs—some voices curious, some envious, others downright resentful. Huo Yuke, who had just landed an endorsement deal with a famous skincare brand's makeup line—a resource nearly on par with what took veteran actresses over a decade to secure—was riding high. She had taken a leave for the first two classes. Two minutes before the third class started, she strode into the classroom with her friends.

The moment she stepped in, she overheard people talking about Qin Yinong—nothing unusual—but what shocked her was Tang Ruoyao's name being linked with the actress.

Frowning, Huo Yuke tapped the shoulder of a girl chatting animatedly in front of her and demanded sharply, "What are you all talking about?"

Recognizing her, the girl's expression soured faintly, but not wanting to provoke her, she gave a brief explanation. "This morning, Best Actress Qin came downstairs to bring Tangtang breakfast and even walked her to class."

"Which Best Actress Qin?" Huo Yuke could hardly believe her ears.

Her grip tightened on the girl's shoulder, who winced and frowned. "Let go first."

Huo Yuke released her.

The girl's roommate chimed in, "Who else? The one and only Best Actress Qin everyone knows." Then she quickly added, "The teacher's about to come in. Let's drop this."

She pulled her roommate away, turning their backs to Huo Yuke.

Huo Yuke's arrogance had long rubbed people the wrong way. Since she treated Tang Ruoyao as a thorn in her side, many classmates had quietly sided against her. Now that Tang Ruoyao had a connection with Qin Yinong, what did Huo Yuke even matter?

Many secretly enjoyed the thought of Tang Ruoyao putting Huo Yuke in her place.

Seated at her desk, Huo Yuke's face cycled through shades of green and white before she suddenly let out a loud, mocking laugh that echoed through the room.

Everyone turned to look at her in confusion.

With a sneer curling her lips, Huo Yuke said, "I wondered what all the fuss was about. Turns out someone is bringing shame to the school and is still acting proud about it."

Wen Shuxian's temper flared, ready to retort, but Fu Yujun held her back.

Huo Yuke glanced around at the classmates whose expressions hinted at displeasure, then pointed at Tang Ruoyao with disdain and said, "Weren't you all just praising her for being virtuous and chaste, idolizing her as the unattainable flower on the high peak? Now that her sugar d@ddy has come to the school in such a grand manner, does your face hurt?"

The photo of Tang Ruoyao getting into that luxury car earlier had already caused quite a stir at school. Although the matter had died down later—whether people believed it or not was another story—many still remembered. This time, when Qin Yinong appeared at the school, while her classmates were busy gossiping, their long-standing trust in Tang Ruoyao kept them from jumping to conclusions. But Huo Yuke's bold accusation cast a subtle shift in the gazes directed at Tang Ruoyao.

Wen Shuxian slammed the table and snapped, "What the hell do you know? Do you think everyone is as shameless as you?"

Huo Yuke chuckled lightly. "Angry because I hit a nerve?"

"Shame your ass!" Wen Shuxian retorted, rolling up her sleeves and stepping onto the chair, ready to climb over from the front row.

A stern cough came from the classroom door.

Wen Shuxian instantly deflated, carefully retracting her foot and saying respectfully, "Professor."

The classroom had been so lively that no one had noticed the professor standing at the door.

Everyone straightened up, and the room fell silent.

Only Huo Yuke piped up sweetly, "Professor, thank goodness you came in time. Otherwise, I would have been beaten up by Wen Shuxian."

Gritting her teeth, Wen Shuxian mentally noted this grudge.

The professor for this class was a stern-looking man in his forties, serious and unsmiling. He ignored Huo Yuke's words and walked steadily to the lectern.

Huo Yuke sat back down awkwardly.

The professor plugged his USB drive into the classroom's multimedia system, placed both hands on the lectern, and calmly scanned the room.

His gaze lingered briefly on Tang Ruoyao, who had remained unruffled throughout, before withdrawing indifferently.

Huo Yuke curled her lips into a small smirk.

The next moment.

"Huo Yuke."

The professor called her name.

Huo Yuke stood up. "Here."

The professor's voice was calm. "Repeat what you said before I entered the classroom."

Huo Yuke hesitated, unsure of his intentions.

After a moment, she rephrased her words more mildly, "I said Tang Ruoyao's sugar daddy made a grand appearance at the school for everyone to see, embarrassing our acting department."

"Where did you hear that?" The professor's expression remained neutral, betraying no emotion.

Huo Yuke pressed her lips together.

She had already sensed something was off and lowered her head.

The professor removed his hands from the lectern, clasped them behind his back, and stood straight. "I also heard something—from the principal. Would you like to know what it was?"

No one dared to speak, holding their breath in silence.

The professor continued, unprompted, "The Principal said that Tang Ruoyao is Qin Yinong's fiancée."

The words struck like a thunderbolt.

Huo Yuke's head snapped up.

She didn't believe it!

The classroom erupted in murmurs.

Fiancée?

How could she be a fiancée?

The wildest speculation they'd had was that they were girlfriends.

Even Tang Ruoyao herself was stunned—since when had her status been upgraded?!

The male teacher rapped his knuckles on the metal surface of the lectern, his expression darkening as he spoke coldly, "Three years as classmates, yet not an ounce of camaraderie—spreading rumors and false accusations without hesitation. To learn acting, one must first learn to be a decent person. Those with low moral character will only become 'black sheep' in the entertainment industry."

His words were harsh, leaving no room for courtesy.

Huo Yuke's face flushed crimson, as if she had been publicly slapped. Her fists clenched tightly, and even the rims of her eyes turned red.

The male teacher said, "Sit down. In the future, refrain from making baseless statements. Everyone is the same here, and I wouldn't harm any of you."

He bent down to click open the PowerPoint and announced, "Alright, class begins."

Tang Ruoyao felt dazed throughout the lesson. She wanted to hide her phone under the desk and send a message to Qin Yinong to ask about it, but this teacher was notoriously strict and had zero tolerance for phone use during class.

Tang Ruoyao had no choice but to hold it in, though her excitement was impossible to suppress, her smile betraying her.

Fiancée.

Hahahaha.

Qin Yinong must have said it herself.

Tang Ruoyao rested her head on the desk, biting the sleeve of her jacket to cover her wide grin, leaving only her crescent-shaped smiling eyes visible.

The male teacher stood at the podium, where he could see everything happening in the classroom.

This was the fifth time.

Tang Ruoyao was beaming with joy, completely oblivious to her surroundings.

The top students from Dorm 405 often sought his advice privately, so they had a good rapport with him. But as a teacher, he had to appear impartial in public, though he could afford some leniency in private.

The male teacher turned a blind eye, not interrupting the girl's poetic state of mind.

Only when he turned around did he allow himself a faint smile.

'Ah, youth.'

'It's good to be young.'

The bell rang, signaling the end of class.

Chairs scraped noisily across the floor as students hurried to leave. Tang Ruoyao had just capped her fountain pen, which she had barely used all lesson, when over a dozen heads suddenly surrounded her desk.

Her classmates bombarded her with questions.

"You're engaged?"

"Is it true? Really?"

"You're dating Queen Qin? Oh my god!"

"My boyfriend is nowhere in sight, and Tangtang is already getting married."

"Tangtang, we thought we were close friends. You kept this hidden so well!"

"Treat us to a meal!"

Tang Ruoyao adjusted her collar, which had been tugged askew by someone, and held it in place with one hand. Smiling faintly, she said, "Sure, what do you all want to eat?"

Everyone chimed in, and after some back-and-forth, they settled on, "Hot pot!"

"Fine." Tang Ruoyao struggled to free herself from the crowd. "Can you let me pack up my things first?"

The group dispersed, and Tang Ruoyao put her pen back in its case and her books into her bag.

She secretly took out her phone—finally, she could chat with Qin Yinong.

[Did you tell the principal I'm your fiancée?]

[How did you know?] Qin Yinong, who had been waiting for her to finish class, replied instantly.

Tang Ruoyao couldn't help but smile. [I just knew.]

Qin Yinong cursed Principal Sun in her heart for being a blabbermouth. She had wanted to surprise Tang Ruoyao herself, but he had gone and spilled the beans. Still...

She typed, [I haven't proposed yet. Is it inappropriate to call you my fiancée?]

Tang Ruoyao replied, [I've already proposed to you and even gave you a ring. It's perfectly fine.]

At this, Qin Yinong realized she had overlooked something—they hadn't bought engagement rings yet. A mischievous thought crossed her mind: If Tang Hanzhang found out they were already engaged, would he be so furious he'd start sprinting?

Tang Hanzhang, currently undergoing rehab at the hospital, sneezed loudly.

Qin Yinong decided they would buy engagement rings this weekend.

But for now, she glanced at the unwitting accomplice beside her—Principal Sun. With him around, students didn't dare crowd her. A faint smile played on her lips as she typed, [Come down from the south side. I'll wait for you at the exit.]

[You're still at school? Didn't you go to work?]

[Off work now, coming to have dinner with you]

[Okay, I'll be right there]

Tang Ruoyao grabbed her backpack and turned to look at her classmates who had once again gathered around, waiting for her to treat them to a meal. She bit her lip, a hint of embarrassment flashing in her eyes, and said, "Qin Yinong is here."

The students' eyes lit up in unison.

Especially Wen Shuxian—Tang Ruoyao instinctively felt a bad premonition.

Qin Yinong waited for a while before spotting Tang Ruoyao at the exit. But Tang Ruoyao wasn't alone—aside from her Dorm 405 roommates, there were several other students, likely her classmates.

Just as Qin Yinong was about to greet them, the dozen or so students exchanged mischievous glances. Led by Wen Shuxian, they chorused in unison, "Hello, sister-in-law!"

Author's Note: 

Whose little mouth has stretched all the way to the back of their ears again~

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