CHAPTER 283: Qin & Tang Extra 57
In dormitory 405, the upper bunk on the left side near the entrance had its curtains tightly drawn. Even with her face buried as deeply as possible into the pillow, intermittent muffled laughter could still be heard escaping from within.
Meanwhile, Wen Shuxian sat at her desk, clutching her phone with both hands. The screen displayed Weibo, specifically Qin Yinong's profile page, as she giggled incessantly: "Hehehe, hehehehe."
Cui Jiaran felt a shiver run down her spine.
She took off her headphones and nudged Fu Yujun, who was in the middle of a game. On the screen, Fu Yujun swiftly headshot an enemy, then smirked, pressing her tongue against the roof of her mouth before typing in the team chat: [That was so close, I almost died just now. Scared me to death QAQ]
Cui Jiaran: "???"
She glanced at the other ID in the team chat and silently retreated.
Despite having a boyfriend herself, the entire dorm seemed to reek of the sour-sweet stench of romance. Especially Wen Shuxian—someone who merely shipped a celebrity couple—whose obsession was even more intense than actual relationships. She was the living embodiment of "I can stay single, but my CP must get married."
As for Tang Ruoyao, she was practically feeding the entire nation dog food.
Cui Jiaran gloomily returned to her seat, pulled out her phone, found some old grievances, and thoroughly scolded her boyfriend. She felt much better after that.
Wen Shuxian: "Hehehe, hehehehe."
Wiping the drool threatening to spill from the corner of her mouth, she looked up and called out to Tang Ruoyao behind the curtains: "Tang Tang, aren't you going to respond?"
Tang Ruoyao, still stifling laughter into her pillow, her fair cheeks flushed pink, peeked her head out from the upper bunk and said, "I will, but I haven't figured out how yet."
Wen Shuxian eagerly offered suggestions: "How about a shy emoji?"
Tang Ruoyao grimaced, clearly dissatisfied.
Wen Shuxian: "Then how about 'me too'?"
Tang Ruoyao thought that was a decent idea, but she wanted to craft her own response—every word had to come from her own mind. So she politely declined, "I'll think about it a bit more."
She ducked back behind the curtains.
Qin Yinong had posted that message around six in the evening. Within less than an hour, it had already made it to the trending list. The average netizen didn't really care about fan wars or celebrity scandals—as long as no moral or legal boundaries were crossed, they were just here for the entertainment.
Qin Yinong's Weibo post quickly surpassed ten thousand reposts, then a hundred thousand, with comments and likes skyrocketing.
Fan efforts to control the top comments were no match for the sheer volume of casual netizens.
Netizen comments:
[Ahhhhhhhhhhh]
[[You're so shameless.jpg]]
[Raising yourself to be her child bride since childhood. Truly Qin Yinong.]
[I'm dying from the sweetness, dying from the sweetness, dying from the sweetness! None of the fluffy fanfics I binged last night can compare to the real deal]
[Qin Yinong, confess—have you been lurking in the CP supertopic? [dog head]]
[The country owes me a child bride]
The hashtag #TheCountryOwesMeAChildBride# gained traction once more, climbing the trending list.
Netizens universally commented: To find a wife, you have to win at the starting line.
The most aggrieved were Qin Yinong's fans, the "Imperial Concubines." They would have loved to distance their idol from Tang Ruoyao—after all, in the entertainment industry, even couples and married pairs often had fandoms at each other's throats. Accusations of riding coattails, marketing schemes, or relying on a spouse for career advancement were rampant, with "each to their own" being the mildest sentiment.
Whether they're idols or artists, fans can be guided. If you don't speak up, fans will appoint themselves as your representatives, believing their will is your will, ultimately placing themselves above the idol. Qin Yinong debuted early, but she wasn't particularly old. Thanks to the reality show Traveling with My Sister, she attracted a wave of new fans, many of whom were quite young. The toxic fan culture began eroding her once-healthy fanbase.
Mom fans, sister fans, girlfriend fans, boyfriend fans—all types emerged, united in rejecting Tang Ruoyao's attempts to "ride her coattails," insisting that "Emperor Qin should shine alone." But Qin Yinong didn't care about these people. Only idols reliant on fan-driven economies could be held hostage by their fans—this wasn't a concern for actors.
If one statement wasn't enough to convey her stance, she'd keep speaking out until her fans understood her true feelings. If they couldn't accept it, they were free to unfollow her sooner rather than later.
Qin Yinong even personally stepped in, liking comments that blessed her and Tang Ruoyao, pushing them to the top. She even replied to one:
[Thank you. I'll send you a wedding candy when we get married.]
Then, the official Weibo account of Qin Yinong's studio replied under that comment:
[Please DM us your address. We'll mail you a box of wedding candy on the big day.]
The lucky netizen was a longtime fan who had adored Qin Yinong since her debut film. She was utterly stunned by this unexpected blessing.
'Was this real?'
Had Qin Yinong actually noticed her? And she was getting [wedding candy] x1?
Was she dreaming?
Then her inbox exploded. Countless fans and casual users left comments and private messages expressing jealousy and streaming envious tears.
With this precedent, the solo fans demanding "Emperor Qin should shine alone" crumbled. Since the two were already together, no amount of comment control would change anything—they'd only be deluding themselves. Better to respect Qin Yinong's wishes. Who knew? Maybe they'd be the next ones to get a reply!
In the following days—and for a long time after—Qin Yinong occasionally liked or replied to well-wishing comments. Fans, inspired, began crafting humorous little scenarios about her and Tang Ruoyao's daily life. Whether true or not, Qin Yinong found them amusing and would sometimes reply with a string of "HAHAHAHA."
CP fans wept with joy.
No longer did they have to confine their excitement to their own circles—they could now openly celebrate in front of the idols themselves, unafraid of backlash from solo fans. Qin Yinong had even posted:
[I don't want fans interfering in my personal life. Focus on yourselves.]
Rational fans managed, handling overzealous individuals who tried to "educate" Qin Yinong internally.
But that was all later.
About four hours after Qin Yinong's "child bride" Weibo was posted, around 10 PM, Tang Ruoyao reposted and replied.
Three red hearts.
Fans swooned, showering her with virtual hugs and lifts.
The "Imperial Concubines" protested: This is how you treat Emperor Qin's heartfelt words? She doesn't even deserve a proper reply from you?
An hour later, Qin Yinong personally shot down the complaint in the comments:
[Shy again?]
Casual users: The cold, hard dog food slaps mercilessly against my face!
After replying, Qin Yinong, seated in her smoothly moving van, switched to WeChat and typed:
[Getting ready for bed?]
Tang Ruoyao lay curled up under the covers. The dormitory lights were already off, and the screen of her phone cast a faint glow as she typed one-handed in reply: [I'm all tucked in, just about to close my eyes.]
[Then sleep?]
[I want to talk to you.]
Qin Yinong took a sip of water from the bottle Guan Han handed her. The cool liquid slightly eased her tired nerves in the chilly night. She thought of a topic and said: [I just got back from a dinner party.]
Then she began describing the event—a wine-tasting party hosted by a veteran actor, who attended, including a certain actor Tang Ruoyao admired.
[If you'd like, I can get you an autograph next time? Or I could take you to meet them in person.]
The message was sent.
Tang Ruoyao, who had been intermittently replying, suddenly fell silent.
Qin Yinong's eyes curved into a smile, brimming with tenderness.
[Goodnight, baby.]
When Tang Ruoyao woke up the next morning, her phone had fallen by her side. She stared at the phone, which was not where it should be, for a long time before abruptly sitting bolt upright.
Scratching the back of her head where her long hair was tangled, she quickly unlocked the phone and replied: [I fell asleep last night [crying].]
Qin Yinong responded instantly: [I know [smiling].]
Tang Ruoyao felt like crying even more.
How could she fall asleep so easily even at school? Mid-conversation, no less. She must have been a pig in her past eight lifetimes.
Qin Yinong gave her an out: [I was already home by the time you fell asleep. I took a shower and went to sleep soon after.]
Roommates in the dorm began stirring awake.
Tang Ruoyao typed: [I'll go wash up first.]
Qin Yinong: [Go ahead.]
While having breakfast in the cafeteria, Tang Ruoyao received a call.
From her father, Tang Hanzhang.
Since the start of the semester, Tang Ruoyao had visited him at least twice a week—sometimes on weekends, sometimes on evenings when she didn't have library study sessions. Phone calls were a nightly ritual.
So receiving an unexpected morning call from him was a surprise.
"Hello, Dad."
Tang Hanzhang's speech had mostly recovered, though he spoke slightly slower than normal. His words were clear as he said, "Why didn't you tell me about what's happening online?"
"What thing?" Tang Ruoyao's voice wavered slightly.
It wasn't that she felt guilty—just embarrassed that her public displays of affection had reached her father's ears.
Tang Hanzhang said, "If Xiaofei hadn't shown me Weibo, I wouldn't have known that shameless... that Qin woman was so... so..." He was too refined to curse outright, the worst he could manage was shameless, and even that he couldn't say directly in front of Tang Ruoyao. It infuriated him.
Tang Hanzhang fumed, "Does she think she's got you locked down now, so she can do whatever she wants? Back then, I was unconscious, but now that I'm awake, does she think she can just waltz into our family as some kind of child bride without my approval? Dream on!"
"Dad," Tang Ruoyao softened her tone, moving to a quieter spot to explain, "You can't compare what's online to reality."
"Meaning what she says online shouldn't be taken seriously?"
"...That's not what I meant."
"Then what do you mean?!"
Tang Ruoyao could practically feel her father's temper flaring. Wiping sweat from her temple, she said, "It's real, but it's for the public—to make a statement."
While others struggled with mother-in-law conflicts, her family had father-in-law conflicts, leaving her squarely stuck in the middle.
Tang Ruoyao calmly reassured him, "She's always respected you. She often tells me she's worried you don't like her. I keep telling her my dad is the best in the world and would never make things hard for a young girl like her."
Tang Hanzhang scoffed, "Stop feeding me that sweet talk."
Tang Ruoyao cooed, "Dad~"
There was silence on Tang Hanzhang's end for a moment. Then he said, "I don't care who she was saying it for. Since she's taken the title of our family's 'child bride,' she needs to go through all the proper procedures. Running off and elop!ng—what kind of behavior is that?"
"What procedures?"
"Set a time for our families to meet."
......
"Meet the parents?" Qin Yinong confirmed, "Does he want to meet my sister?"
Tang Ruoyao, having carefully considered her father's words, nodded. "That's the idea."
Qin Yinong smiled, "So I passed the test just like that?" She hadn't even had to try.
Tang Ruoyao asked, "What were you planning to do?"
Qin Yinong arched an eyebrow, leaning against the balcony railing. "Well... try hard to constantly be in his presence? Keep showing up until he gets used to me."
"What a brilliant plan."
"You're making fun of me." Qin Yinong huffed.
"I'm not," Tang Ruoyao laughed. "Anyway, my dad has no choice but to agree now. Can you ask your sister and mom when they're free?"
"Okay."
Qin Yinong left the balcony and walked to Qin Lunong's room, knocking on the door.
"Come in."
Qin Lunong sat at her desk, one hand on the mouse as she scrolled through academic articles on her laptop. She seemed absorbed in her work, not even turning her head as she asked, "Something wrong?"
Qin Yinong hummed and nodded. "Yes."
"Speak."
Only now did Qin Yinong start to feel nervous. With no extra chair in the room, she shuffled hesitantly, awkwardly standing behind Qin Lunong, gently poking her shoulder with her fingertip.
Qin Lunong startled, whipping her head around. "Why are you acting so girly all of a sudden?"
Qin Yinong: "..."
Qin Lunong studied her for a few seconds before suddenly widening her eyes in mock fury. "Hah! What kind of demon are you, daring to possess my sister's body?" She drew a circle in the air with her hand. "Behold my Demon-Reflecting Mirror! Reveal your true form, fiend!"
Qin Yinong parted her lips and let out a perfect imitation of a cat demon's yowl, seamlessly shifting her expression and posture into a menacing clawed stance.
As a top-tier actress, playing a demon was child's play.
Qin Lunong lowered her "mirror," instantly serious again. "Not bad," she critiqued. Then, "What did you need?"
Qin Yinong hesitated, mumbling, "Well... when are you free?"
Qin Lunong frowned. "What was that?"
Gritting her teeth, Qin Yinong blurted out, "Tang Ruoyao's dad wants to have dinner with you and Mom. He's asking when you're available."
Qin Lunong let out an exaggerated "Oh!" and said, "Already talking marriage, are we?"
"Otherwise?"
"But I haven't even agreed to let Tang Ruoyao into our family yet. I only approved of you two being girlfriends."
Qin Yinong bared her teeth and said dangerously, "Say that again?"
Qin Lunong pouted.
The younger sister was no longer under the control of her older sister.
"Whenever's fine for me. How about this Sunday?"
"Isn't that too soon?" Qin Yinong blurted.
"Suit yourself." Qin Lunong shot her a disgruntled look and waved her off, shooing her traitorous sister out of the room.
Qin Yinong considered it carefully. It was better to have a short period of stress than a long one. They would have to meet eventually. If she seemed proactive, maybe she could score some extra points with her father-in-law.
Tang Ruoyao had a public holiday on Thursday afternoon and went to the hospital to visit Tang Hanzhang, taking the opportunity to share the decision she and Qin Yinong had reached.
Tang Hanzhang snorted coldly, "In such a hurry, are they? Afraid you'll run away if they don't lock you down soon?"
Tang Ruoyao didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Dad."
Tang Hanzhang looked at her seriously and asked, "Tell your dad the truth. Do you insist on marrying her?"
Tang Ruoyao spent a second debating the words "marry" and "wed" before letting it go. She answered earnestly, "Yes, I insist on marrying her."
Tang Hanzhang sighed deeply and closed his eyes.
Tang Ruoyao grew uneasy. "Dad?" She bit her lip and added, "If you really don't agree, we can wait a little longer."
Marriage was indeed her own affair, but seeking her parents' approval was a matter of respect.
Tang Hanzhang opened his eyes and pointed to the chair beside his hospital bed, signaling for her to sit.
"I saw that child when she was young," Tang Hanzhang said. "She had a simple personality, honest to a fault—the most sensible and obedient kid in the neighborhood. Otherwise, your mother wouldn't have liked her so much."
The corners of Tang Ruoyao's eyes curved slightly.
Tang Hanzhang then shifted his tone. "But twenty years have passed. Think about how much a person can change in that time, especially now that she's a big celebrity who's seen the glitz and glamour of the world. To be blunt, in my eyes, you're the best, but for her..." His worry was unmistakable. "What if she's just chasing a fleeting fancy?"
Tang Ruoyao interrupted him. "No, Dad. Maybe you don't know her well enough. That's my fault—I haven't told you about her situation."
Tang Hanzhang frowned. "What situation?"
Tang Ruoyao explained Qin Yinong's reasons for entering the entertainment industry, the events that followed her debut, including how she was framed by Qin Hongjian and bore false accusations for a decade. She also mentioned Qin Yinong's quiet dedication to charity—sponsoring countless underprivileged students, establishing an anti-domestic violence organization, and donating to build Project hope schools.
Her life story sounded like an epic legend of the secular world.
Tang Hanzhang remained silent for a long time after hearing this.
No matter how much he favored his own daughter, he couldn't say that a person like that wasn't worthy of her.
Tang Hanzhang stared at Tang Ruoyao.
Tang Ruoyao touched her face. "Is there something on my face?"
"No," Tang Hanzhang said. "I was just wondering—did she fall for you at first sight?"
Tang Ruoyao avoided mentioning the absurd "kept woman" misunderstanding. Her eyes darted around, and she could only shamelessly say, "Yes."
Tang Hanzhang made a noncommittal sound.
Tang Ruoyao glanced at him sideways. "Dad, do you think I'm not good enough for her now?"
Tang Hanzhang mumbled, "No, I don't."
Tang Ruoyao laughed and nudged his arm. "Yes, you do."
Tang Hanzhang smiled too. "Really, I don't."
He was truly just curious how Qin Yinong, who had experienced all the finest things in life, could fall in love at first sight with his daughter, this "light porridge and simple dish." Recalling Tang Ruoyao's evasive look, he pondered thoughtfully.
But since Tang Ruoyao wouldn't say, there was no way he could guess the real answer. The secret would remain between the two of them forever.
......
The restaurant for Sunday was booked by Qin Yinong, who deliberately chose a private dining spot that served dishes from their hometown.
After several months of rehabilitation, Tang Hanzhang still couldn't stand up, but he was in high spirits with a healthy complexion. The white hair that had grown during his bedridden days had turned black again. With his refined features, he wore a brand-new gray suit, the top button of his white shirt fastened neatly, paired with silver sleeve garters. Dressed elegantly, he looked no older than his thirties.
A black SUV stopped in front of the restaurant. Qin Yinong rushed forward in quick strides and opened the rear door.
Just as Tang Ruoyao reached out her hand, the car door beside her swung open, revealing Qin Yinong standing outside. Qin Yinong took a step back, and Tang Hanzhang leaned forward slightly, catching sight of her. A faint smile flickered across his lips.
So impulsive—just like when he had gone to meet Zhuo Peiyun's parents all those years ago.
With Tang Hanzhang present, Qin Yinong didn't dare hold Tang Ruoyao's hand. She merely smiled at her after she got out of the car, then went to open the trunk to retrieve the wheelchair. Tang Ruoyao moved to help, but Qin Yinong waved her off.
After placing the wheelchair on the flat ground, Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao worked together to settle Tang Hanzhang into it.
Tang Hanzhang looked at Qin Yinong.
Suddenly, she was overwhelmed with nervousness.
'Why is he looking at me? What should I say now?'
Tang Ruoyao whispered a reminder, "Greet him."
'Oh, right.' Qin Yinong snapped out of it—she had been so focused on smiling that her face was nearly stiff, forgetting this crucial step.
"Hello, Uncle." Qin Yinong said, poised and well-mannered.
This time, at least, she didn't mess it up.
Tang Hanzhang simply acknowledged her with a soft "Mm," then maneuvered the wheelchair forward. Tang Ruoyao hurried after him, gripping the handle of the wheelchair's backrest, with Qin Yinong trailing closely behind.
The restaurant had three floors. As Tang Ruoyao pushed the wheelchair inside, Qin Yinong took the lead, guiding them to the right. "It's just ahead."
Tang Ruoyao bent down and whispered to Tang Hanzhang, "She booked a table on the first floor specially so your wheelchair wouldn't be an issue."
Tang Hanzhang reached back and lightly patted the back of her hand.
Always seizing the chance to speak well of her.
A wooden plaque by the door read "Baidig [White Emperor] Pavilion." Qin Yinong knocked on the door with her knuckles to alert the people inside, then pushed the door open.
"Mom, Sister, Uncle Tang is here."
Ji Shulan and Qin Lunong both stood up.
Tang Hanzhang first looked at Ji Shulan and said warmly, "Sister Shulan, it's been a long time." Then his gaze shifted to Qin Lunong, his eyes filled with fondness. "This must be Lunong—you've grown so much."
Ji Shulan nodded at him, looking a little reserved.
Qin Lunong smiled warmly. "Uncle Tang."
After exchanging a few pleasantries about how happy they were to finally meet, Tang Hanzhang took his seat.
Five people sat around a round table—not too large, creating an int!mate atmosphere.
Qin Yinong and Tang Ruoyao sat side by side.
Since the adults were talking, the "children" had no place to interject. The two sat stiffly upright but couldn't resist stealing glances at each other. The parents beside them caught every little gesture, exchanging knowing looks that mirrored the same sentiment.
Qin Yinong had already instructed the waiter to serve the dishes before entering. Soon, steaming hot sour fish soup was brought out.
Conversation flowed as they ate.
Qin Lunong completely took over Ji Shulan's role, reminiscing with Tang Hanzhang and asking how he had been since moving to City Z—as if she weren't his junior but his peer.
Tang Hanzhang felt a slight sense of awkwardness, but he vaguely remembered that Qin Lunong was the one in charge of their family even when she was a child, so he suppressed the subtle feeling, answered her questions, and then asked about their lives in return.
A harmonious and joyful atmosphere filled the room.
Qin Yinong rolled up her sleeves and ladled a bowl of soup for Tang Ruoyao.
Tang Ruoyao smiled and picked up a meatball for her in return.
The parents at the table: "..."
Suddenly, the food in their bowls didn't seem as appetizing anymore.
Tang Ruoyao then served Tang Hanzhang a piece of fish.
Meanwhile, Qin Yinong filled two more bowls of soup for Ji Shulan and Qin Lunong.
Qin Lunong stirred the soup in her bowl with a porcelain spoon before finally getting to the main topic. "Uncle Tang," she said, "you've practically watched my little sister grow up."
Uncle Tang thought to himself: 'No, I didn't, your sister was only eight when my family moved away, and now she's twenty-eight.'
Qin Lunong said, "As for her, my sister, her looks are undeniable—there are hardly a few in the entire country who can compare. She's upright in character, kind-hearted, steady and reliable. All these years in the industry, she's always kept herself pure and above reproach..."
Qin Yinong choked on her soup, struggling to swallow it down and suppressing the urge to cough.
Were these words really coming from her sharp-tongued sister?
Tang Hanzhang also smiled and said, "My daughter is the same—bright and clever, excelling in both character and academics since childhood, sensible and obedient, never giving me, her father, any worries... Her personality is also wonderful, just like her mother's."
Tang Ruoyao kept her head lowered.
Qin Yinong exchanged a glance with her as they listened to their parents shower them with praise, quietly continuing to eat.
Ji Shulan vaguely felt something was off.
Usually, when in-laws meet, they're supposed to praise each other's children—sometimes even the in-laws. Why were they both so aggressively praising their own children?
Qin Lunong raised her glass and said heartily, "Since both our families' children are so outstanding, why let the fertile water flow to outsiders' fields? Why not join our families in eternal ties?"
Tang Hanzhang: "..."
'Is that how the phrase 'fertile water shouldn't flow to outsiders' fields' is used?'
Since when were their two families considered insiders?
The younger one is shamelessly bold, and the older one speaks utter nonsense. His daughter's future in the Qin family was worrying.
Tang Hanzhang took a deep breath and glanced toward Tang Ruoyao, who was still smiling at Qin Yinong, looking utterly innocent, like a little lamb tricked by a big bad wolf.
But since she had already said she insisted on marrying her, Tang Hanzhang couldn't oppose the marriage. He could only try to fight for Tang Ruoyao's position: "If the two of them marry, who would be considered the one marrying out and who the one marrying in?"
Although rainbow parades had become common in recent years, China hadn't yet legalized same-s3x marriage. Any talk of marriage was just a private formality.
Qin Lunong smiled and asked, "What are your thoughts, dear in-law?"
Tang Hanzhang was momentarily stunned by how quickly she'd switched to calling him that before replying, "Your sister will marry into our Tang family."
Author's Note:
Tang Dad: I must fight for my daughter's top position!
Sister Lu: In your dreams!
The ultimate showdown! Who will emerge victorious? Stay tuned for the next chapter—Qin Yinong's Soul-Searching Question: Father-in-law or mother-in-law?
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