Chapter 296: A Few Things After Marriage 5

"Wu Zetian" was co-produced by four countries: besides China, there were Italy, France, and Germany. The director was the bearded French director Robin, whom Qin Yinong had met in France. Tang Ruoyao had once accompanied Qin Yinong to meet him, and he had exclaimed over their shared surname, praising them as a perfect match.

"Wu Zetian" secured strong support from the Chinese government, so it was never kept under wraps from the start. Qin Yinong aimed to collaborate with Robin to present the true grandeur of the Tang Dynasty and the life of the only female emperor, Wu Zetian, in a way that Western audiences could accept and understand.

With all nations paying tribute and envoys from myriad countries coming to court.

To authentically recreate the majestic and imposing atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty and the grand, solid palaces, the production team built the sets on location, erecting a magnificent replica of the Daming Palace. The cost for set construction was astonishingly high, with over a year spent just on building the Daming Palace and preparing costumes, props, and sets in advance. Esteemed historians and archaeologists served as advisors.

Occasionally, the official social media account would release a small glimpse of the Daming Palace or a piece of jewelry from the props team, sparking a trend among netizens to share historical knowledge, fostering a wave of learning about history in the comments.

It could be said that "Wu Zetian" had already generated massive hype even before filming began. As the producer and lead actress, Qin Yinong, who hadn't taken on any roles for years, was now portraying Wu Zhao, the first female emperor in history, driving her eager fans and casual viewers wild and ensuring high expectations for the film's quality.

Shakuhachi: [Ahhhhhhh Wu Zhao, Wu Zetian, Wu Meiniang—I'm d3ad!]

Vanilla Separation: [I declare that Wu Zhao is my next dream lover!]

No Longer the Same: [Emperor Qin playing Empress Wu! What a divine casting choice! I'm gone, I'm revived!!!]

Melting Moon: [Wait, Emperor filming the Tang Dynasty, Tang = Tang Ruoyao, I'm shipping it, I'm shipping it!"

The Space Between the Brows and the Heart: [You're so good at shipping! How come, as fellow shippers, I can't be as brilliant as you?]

Late Spring: [Speaking of Emperor Qin's new movie, won't Tang Ruoyao make a guest appearance? Shangguan Wan'er would be perfect for her—the only female chancellor, and she's even a CP with Empress Wu in fan fiction. Maybe I can witness an officially funded romance? [Intense Hinting]]

When discussing the era of Wu Zetian, Shangguan Wan'er is an unavoidable figure—the talented female official she personally promoted, who rose to the position of inner chancellor. Even though official history portrays both as heteros3xual, the setup of this pairing is just too enticing to ignore: Empress & Female Official, the grace of mentorship, the hatred for killing her father—you could write an entire fanfiction just from that.

After the lead cast was announced, many speculated about who would play Shangguan Wan'er. Nearly every young actress who fit the character description and had strong acting skills was considered, but Tang Ruoyao was by far the most popular choice.

Not only because of her romantic relationship with Qin Yinong, but also because she was the most skilled actress among the younger generation of female performers. Unlike Qin Yinong, after their relationship went public, Tang Ruoyao continued to take on roles, consistently earning nominations and making award wins a regular occurrence. She added two more of the three major Chinese-language film awards to her collection, not to mention other accolades like "Most Popular Actress" and "University Students' Favorite Actress." Netizens dug up an article from four years ago when she won her first Golden Osmanthus Award for Best Actress, where entertainment media dubbed her the "Little Qin Yinong" and predicted she would be the most likely successor to Qin Yinong in the Chinese film industry—a prophecy that now seemed to have come true.

Talent is always the best proof.

After the couple went public, there were doubts that Tang Ruoyao had risen to fame through her connection with Qin Yinong, with some even claiming her awards were obtained through backdoor deals. Over the years, Tang Ruoyao silenced those voices with her impressive collection of trophies.

She deserved it. She was worthy.

"I hope Tang Ruoyao plays Shangguan Wan'er," many wished under the official Weibo posts. By the end of 2022, Wu Zetian began filming, with Tang Ruoyao cast as Shangguan Wan'er, fulfilling the dreams of countless netizens.

Xiangjiang Melody: [Ahhhhhhhhhhh!]

Jiahe: [It's Zhao Wan! I'm going crazy! I'm shipping them to the ends of the earth, I'm shipping them till the sun and moon lose their light, I'm shipping them so hard my mom tore down the roof beam and beat me till I was crawling all over the floor!]

A Thousand Autumns Opera: [Set photos! Set photos! Please, I'm begging you! [Banging on the table]]

Fish in Water: [Am I the only one shipping Wan'er and Princess Taiping? o_o]

Empress Wu Reigns Forever: [Who's playing Princess Taiping? Please, official Weibo, release the scene of Qin Yinong getting jealous online!]

......

The lead role in Wu Zetian was unquestionably Qin Yinong, with all others in supporting parts. As one of her court officials, Tang Ruoyao's screen time wasn't extensive, but she deliberately cleared half a year from her schedule to stay on set with Qin Yinong—solid proof of their publicly funded romance.

After filming began, promotional photos had to be taken. Qin Yinong was dressed in the Emperor's robe(Longpao), adorned with a ceremonial crown (Gunmian) featuring gold decorations and twelve strands of white pearls (Liuyuan), embroidered with twelve symbolic patterns, exuding luxury and authority. The entire ensemble was extremely intricate, but this was the most formal attire; court robes and everyday wear weren't as complex.

Qin Yinong sat in the dressing room, wearing only the Emperor's robe, surrounded by several makeup artists meticulously applying her makeup. Earlier, she had been reviewing the script and now her eyes were tired, so she was resting with them closed.

Suddenly, the door to the makeup room was pushed open a crack without a sound. Qin Yinong's new assistant, Guan He, glanced over warily but relaxed upon recognizing the visitor.

Tang Ruoyao was dressed in official court attire, an official hat on her head. Unlike the male versions, her cap featured embroidered decorations that highlighted feminine grace. Her long hair was completely tucked inside the cap, accentuating her slender, snow-white neck—a blend of soft elegance and clean, handsome beauty.

She had finished her makeup quickly and wrapped up her shoot even faster, so she came straight to find Qin Yinong.

Qin Yinong seemed unaware of her presence, still feigning sleep with her eyes closed. Tang Ruoyao lifted the hem of her official robe with one hand and tiptoed over. The makeup artists exchanged glances and tactfully stepped aside, giving the two some space.

Tang Ruoyao's breath brushed against Qin Yinong's ear as she whispered softly, "Your Majesty."

Qin Yinong half-opened her eyes, supporting her forehead with one hand, and lazily responded, "Hmm?"

Tang Ruoyao: "Has Your Majesty's headache returned?"

Qin Yinong leaned against her, and Tang Ruoyao pressed two fingers against her temples. Qin Yinong closed her eyes lightly and asked lazily with a nasal tone, "Does Wan'er have a young man she fancies? I shall pick a fine match for Wan'er."

Tang Ruoyao lowered her gaze and said, "Wan'er wishes to remain by Your Majesty's side always."

Qin Yinong's brows relaxed, a smile curling at the corners of her lips. "With such talent and grace as Wan'er's, there is no one in this world worthy of you. Except for me."

Tang Ruoyao gently pinched her ear and corrected with a smile, "That last line isn't in the script."

Qin Yinong straightened up. "We're not filming right now."

Tang Ruoyao stepped back, and the makeup artists once again surrounded Qin Yinong.

As soon as Tang Ruoyao arrived, Qin Yinong regained her energy. "Isn't the age gap between us a bit too large? A full forty years."

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Forty years isn't so bad. Look at your current makeup—it's for after the coronation. With such an aura, even if you were sixty years older, I'd still fall for you."

Jokes aside, in the actual filming, there would be no romantic storyline between them. But netizens would surely ship them to the point of delirium—chemistry is a mysterious thing, something to be felt rather than explained.

The two chatted back and forth, and the makeup artists all wore smiles. Suddenly, the door to the dressing room was knocked.

Guan He stood blocking the entrance.

The photographer holding the camera felt a chill under her icy gaze and raised his voice slightly toward the inside, "Teacher Qin."

Guan He, channeling her elder sister Guan Han, said, "If there's anything, you can relay it through me."

The photographer felt as though she wanted to twist his head off.

Tang Ruoyao stood up and walked over, asking, "What is it?"

The camera captured the scene, and the photographer's eyes lit up, surprised at how easily he had managed to film them together. Suppressing his excitement, he said, "We'd like to shoot some behind-the-scenes footage. So, I wanted to ask how Teacher Qin's makeup is coming along and if we could come in to film a short segment?"

Tang Ruoyao replied, "Wait a moment."

Qin Yinong gave her consent.

The photographer gratefully said, "Thank you, Teacher Qin, Teacher Tang," and quickly slipped past Guan He to enter.

"Wu Zetian" would be released simultaneously domestically, so the hype around the Qin-Tang couple co-starring was too good to pass up. Judging by Teacher Qin's behavior on set these past few days, she was more than happy to let everyone know how affectionate they were—the two were practically inseparable, like lovebirds showing off.

Qin Yinong's makeup was nearly finished by the time Tang Ruoyao entered. The photographer panned the camera around the room a couple of times before Qin Yinong stood up. Two makeup artists worked together to place the crown adorned with twelve strands of white pearls on her head. With each step, the pearls swayed gently, emitting crisp, tinkling sounds.

Her face was partially obscured behind the pearl curtain, but her sharp, commanding gaze pierced through the beads. Though she stood on level ground, it was as if she were high in the grand hall, receiving the bows of her ministers and their cries of "Long live the Empress." Or as if she stood atop ancient, sturdy city walls, overlooking a prosperous and peaceful realm, embracing all under heaven, exuding the majestic authority of the sovereign.

All the land under heaven belongs to the ruler; all the people on this land are the ruler's subjects.

Faintly, the air seemed to carry the thunderous sounds of war and the bustling cries of merchants in a time of peace and prosperity. In the dim light of dawn, the brass bells of the palace rang out, echoing for miles. The civil and military officials waiting at the court gates stepped into the palace, ascending the white marble steps level by level, orderly and solemn, toward the grand hall.

A woman stood in the vast imperial court, draped in the Emperor's robe and ceremonial crown, seated upon the Dragon Throne that symbolized the highest and most revered status.

Was this the legendary female emperor? The one and only woman in thousands of years of Chinese history to truly hold the title of emperor—Wu Zetian, whose brilliance was said to rival the sun and the moon, illuminating the world.

An indescribable surge of emotion resonated simultaneously in the hearts of all present, stirring their bl0od with fervor.

Tang Ruoyao took a step back, straightened her official robe, and bowed deeply, proclaiming, "Long live Your Majesty, ten thousand, ten thousand years!"

The crowd echoed in unison, "Long live Your Majesty, ten thousand, ten thousand years!"

The photographer nearly set down his camera to bow along with them but, just in time, remembered his duty and steadied his grip. Still, he couldn't help murmuring the words under his breath.

After the threefold salute, Qin Yinong spread her sleeves and declared with pride, "Rise, my ministers."

"Wan'er, accompany me for the official costume photos."

"Yes."

The photographer captured the entire scene perfectly and, not long after, uploaded it online.

Netizens had just finished admiring the official costume photos of Wu Zetian and Shangguan Wan'er. Video editors had already spliced together reincarnated love stories spanning three lifetimes, while fan fiction writers churned out even more prolific works.

When the official blog released the behind-the-scenes footage, the CP fans were sent into such a frenzy that "dy!ng on the spot" was no longer enough to describe their state. They d!ed and came back to life over and over, collectively transforming into screaming marmots, yelling "Ahhh!" everywhere before peacefully departing this world—only to kick their legs a few more times inside their coffins.

Long Live Empress Wu: [I was wrong—I shouldn't have shipped Taiping and Wan'er. What kind of divine pairing is Empress Wu and Wan'er? Tang Ruoyao in her official robe, standing gallantly beside Qin Yinong—this scene is just too beautiful. I'm de@d.]

You're Like a Tree: [Publicly funded romance with official sugar! Everyone, ship this now!]

Did You Pass the Postgrad Exam Today?: [I'm in love with Qin Yinong's makeup—so domineering and powerful. This is what a true politician looks like, the eternal female emperor, Wu Zetian herself.]

Nanming's Little House: [I'm here for Lady Shangguan! And I'm here for Empress Wu! Ahhhh!]

Netizens indulged in a flood of excitement, eagerly anticipating the film's release.

Indeed, no further leaked photos from the set of Wu Zetian emerged. The official behind-the-scenes clips offered only limited glimpses, but fortunately, Qin Yinong was very approachable. Every time they were filmed together, she cooperated fully, making their affection known to all.

In the entertainment industry, if a married or dating couple hasn't been plagued by rumors of divorce or breakup, they aren't truly famous. Though Qin Yinong paid little attention to online gossip, she deeply despised such rumors. She had sued one wave of rumor-mongers after another, yet whispers of their supposed breakup still circulated—impossible to fully control.

On set, she didn't deliberately flaunt their relationship; she and Tang Ruoyao were the embodiment of affection itself. Less than a tenth of their interactions caught on camera were enough to make netizens cover their eyes.

[Outrageous! Unforgivable!]

[They're so lovey-dovey like this—shouldn't the crew do something about it? (Well done!)]

[Where to find the best PDA skills? Look no further than the Wu Zetian crew and Qin-Tang. Tagline: I'm dy!ng from shipping them!]

[Oh my god! Did I reverse the CP? Why is Qin Yinong so soft? Every day, she's either holding Tang Ruoyao's hand or leaning on her shoulder. She even waits to eat with Tang Ruoyao.]

[During the days Tang Ruoyao left the set for promotions, Qin Yinong was visibly down. In the behind-the-scenes clips, she looked listless, sitting alone in a corner reading her script. The moment Tang Ruoyao returned, she lit up like a kid seeing candy, all smiles.]

[Tang the Top & Qin the Baby—confirmed!]

On an early night off, Tang the Top was teased from behind by Qin the Baby until the corners of her eyes flushed a faint red. She bit down hard on her lower lip, but under Qin Yinong's mischievous provocations, she couldn't hold back any longer and released her teeth, burying her face and unrestrained moans into the pillow.

Apart from handling essential matters, Tang Ruoyao stayed with Qin Yinong in the hotel arranged by the film crew. The shooting schedule lasted six months, and Qin Yinong had no time to return home. Tang Ruoyao brought Ningning to the set several times.

The seven-year-old had just finished her first semester of first grade. Already an adorable child, she seemed to have undergone a system upgrade, becoming even more endearing to everyone. After spending a weekend on set, for the next month, people kept asking Tang Ruoyao when she would bring the little one back.

Tang Ruoyao replied, "...Once she finishes her homework."

Qin Jianing was currently attending a public elementary school. The reason they hadn't chosen a private school from the start was to give her more experiences and let her live like an ordinary child. Depending on how she adapted, they would consider transferring her to a private school later.

They had discussed this with their daughter as well. Despite her young age, Qin Jianing already had her own opinions, and the decision was largely made by her.

Not long after the school year began, the teacher called the parents. In summary, the child stood out as exceptionally bright and suggested testing her IQ to help choose a suitable school. The two took her for the test, and when the results came out, they both fell silent. Even most private schools might not be sufficient—perhaps they should continue hiring tutors? A few more, teaching whatever she wanted to learn.

Tang Ruoyao went to ask Qin Jianing, who clasped her hands behind her back and said with a maturity beyond her years, "It's fine. I want to finish first grade."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

So, she continued, prioritizing the child's interests above all.

......

Wen Shuxian's drama Intern Doctor wrapped up in March. She pulled some strings through Tang Ruoyao and came to the set to observe the performances, also giving her tense nerves a chance to relax.

She had begun to understand what Tang Ruoyao had previously experienced with getting too deep into a role. After playing a doctor for three months, her dreams were filled with emergency rooms, bl0od-stained forceps, surgical kn!ves for open surgeries, and the smell of hospital disinfectant. She nearly lost her mind. After filming wrapped, she even took an exam for an emergency medical certification. When the certificate came in, she was so touched she cried.

Fu Yujun's stage play had been in rehearsal since the beginning of the year, and her daily Weibo posts were all about the theater. A couple of days ago, the Wuzhen Theater Festival announced its lineup, and Fu Yujun's 9022 was prominently featured. Tickets for the festival were always in high demand and sold out almost instantly.

Even Fu Yujun had to struggle to secure a few tickets, which she sent to her close friends.

Wen Shuxian, finally free from the set, was over the moon with joy and floating on cloud nine. She immediately posted a cens0red photo of the ticket online, cheekily captioning it: [Jealous, huh? [Hehe]]

Fans responded: "Baby Wen, Mom loves you! Mom hasn't seen you in so long. This time, even if I have to buy tickets at a high price, I must see you at the theater!]

Wen Shuxian was so scared she immediately deleted the Weibo post.

Cui Jiaran found time to mock her in the group chat: [IQ is a fatal flaw. With your brains, you still want to be a boss?]

Wen Shuxian shot back: [Even if I stop working now, the money I've earned is enough to last me a lifetime.]

Cui Jiaran didn't continue bickering with her. Instead, she said, [A TV drama team has reached out to me about a supporting female role. Should I take it?] She briefly summarized the production team, character setting, and main plot.

Wen Shuxian, sitting on the sofa biting her nails, had only just begun to figure out her own future path and felt unqualified to advise Cui Jiaran.

Fu Yujun replied that evening, [Take it. Why not earn some extra money? Just don't lose sight of what's important.]

Cui Jiaran responded, [You make a good point.]

Cui Jiaran accepted the role of the female lead's sister in a harem intrigue drama. The sister was gentle and kind, with significant screen time in the early stages before being written off midway. However, her impact on the female lead was immense and unforgettable—it could be said that the female lead would remember her sister for the rest of her life.

After receiving the full script, Tang Ruoyao sat cross-legged on the bed in the hotel arranged by the crew, using her iPad for a group video chat with her roommates. She remarked, "Why does this seem a bit... yuri-ish?"

Fu Yujun chimed in, "Indeed, you two look like a couple. Very yuri."

Cui Jiaran, being utterly straight, only saw the plot as purely sisterly affection—so straight it could pierce the sky. She retorted, "You two are just seeing things through a gay eye. If we're talking yuri vibes, who could outdo you two?"

One of them flaunted their relationship daily on set, while the other was a cunning, scheming wolf guiding her prey step by step. No wonder they'd label her script as "socialist sisterhood."

Wen Shuxian, utterly confused, scratched her cheek and asked, "What kind of eye? Chicken eye? Who's cross-eyed?" [Wen Shuxian misheard 'Ji Yan' (gay eye) as 'Ji Yan' (chicken eye)]

Tang Ruoyao, Fu Yujun, and Cui Jiaran: "..."

The three of them simultaneously fell into doubt, wondering how they had tolerated Wen Shuxian's academic struggles since freshman year and still included her in their group, sticking together all this way.

Wen Shuxian pressed, "What is it? Why are you all ignoring me?" She remembered the last time the three of them had teamed up to advise her, acting in perfect sync. Seeing the three of them now clearly hiding something, she felt they were forming a clique and no longer cared to talk to her. A wave of sadness washed over her.

Wen Shuxian's eyes quickly reddened, on the verge of shedding tears. "Are you all tired of me?"

The three from Room 405: "..."

Well, yes, a little, but she's also so cute when she's silly.

Fu Yujun sighed and looked at her seriously. "The time has come. I have to tell you the truth." Assistant Guan was already a fish on the chopping board and couldn't run away. There was no harm in letting this little fool know.

Wen Shuxian sniffled. "Don't lie to me."

"I won't." Fu Yujun calmly announced her... well, not a relationship yet, but a significant matter. "I'm pursuing Guan Han."

Wen Shuxian took a moment to recall who Guan Han was. The name sounded familiar. After racking her brain, she gasped, her lips trembling. "You mean Guan Han, Teacher Qin's former assistant?"

A hint of sweetness appeared at the corner of Fu Yujun's lips as she replied softly, "She's also my current agent."

Wen Shuxian gasped again, frantically scratching her head and clutching her chest. Her eyes darted around, and she fidgeted helplessly, as if possessed by the dramatic energy of a melodrama. After her exaggerated reaction, she exclaimed, "Aren't you afraid of dy!ng? She could snap your neck with one hand!"

Fu Yujun clicked her tongue disapprovingly, her eyes lifting slightly at the corners, a hint of coquettishness in her tone as she said, "What kind of way is that to talk? She's actually very gentle, okay?" Besides, if there was nothing going on, why would Little Hanhan twist her neck? It's not like she's some kind of v!olent maniac!

Wen Shuxian exclaimed as if she'd seen a ghost, "Gentle?!"

Tang Ruoyao quickly turned down the volume on her iPad.

Fu Yujun waved her hand dismissively. "You wouldn't understand. I'll introduce her to you all once I successfully win her over."

Wen Shuxian truly didn't understand. Love is blind, as the saying goes—even a fearsome figure could be transformed into a goddess in one's eyes. But she had something more important on her mind. Taking a deep breath, she turned to her two other roommates who were watching the drama unfold. "Did you both know about this all along?"

Tang Ruoyao clarified, "Not all along. Last year, when she wanted to sign with my and Qin's agency, she confessed it to Teacher Qin herself."

Cui Jiaran hugged her pillow. "I found out a little later than Tangtang. She often brought her agent to watch my plays. They were exchanging glances and sending subtle flirtations back and forth. After a while, if I still hadn't caught on, wouldn't I have ended up just like you?"

"Sounds about right," Wen Shuxian agreed, then suddenly caught herself. "Wait, what do you mean, 'just like you'?!"

Cui Jiaran said cheerfully, "Exactly! Only someone as slow as you wouldn't notice. She's been chasing after her for over a year. If Lao Fu hadn't told you personally, you'd still be completely in the dark—and cross-eyed at that! What were you even thinking?"

Wen Shuxian stubbornly defended herself, "I was just—"

Cui Jiaran cut her off, "Last time, we all went to watch the play together, right? Did you figure anything out then?"

Wen Shuxian stammered, "I..."

Just as Qin Yinong stepped out of the bathroom, she saw Tang Ruoyao sitting cross-legged on the bed, grinning from ear to ear at her iPad. Qin Yinong casually draped her towel over the back of a chair and strolled over leisurely. She placed one hand beside Tang Ruoyao and cupped her cheek with the other.

It was a perfect position for a kiss.

The faint scent of shower gel mixed with her natural fragrance enveloped Tang Ruoyao, filling her senses with the woman's delightful aroma. For a moment, her mind went blank.

In the video call, the three friends slyly fell silent.

Qin Yinong gently stroked Tang Ruoyao's lips with her thumb, her eyes darkening as she murmured in a low voice, "Smiling so happily? Hmm?"

Tang Ruoyao snapped back to reality.

'The video!'

She opened her mouth, intending to warn Qin Yinong, but it only gave the other woman an opportunity to deepen the kiss, tangling their tongues further—like sending a lamb into a tiger's den.

Half lost in the moment and half struggling to regain clarity, Tang Ruoyao tried to speak, but each attempt was met with Qin Yinong's passionate and forceful embrace. Eventually, she gave up and surrendered to the kiss.

After all, her friends had already seen True Colors, where her kissing scenes with Qin Yinong were boldly displayed on the big screen. Watching it live... wasn't that big of a deal.

Tang Ruoyao remembered she mustn't make a sound, so she struggled to hold back.

But Qin Yinong wasn't satisfied. Her fingertips teased Tang Ruoyao's sensitive earlobes, and soon her entire ear flushed red. Tang Ruoyao could no longer restrain herself.

When the kiss ended, Tang Ruoyao lay on the bed, chest heaving, her dazed eyes betraying a hint of despair.

Just as Qin Yinong grew puzzled, a synchronized chorus came from behind: "Good evening, Teacher Qin."

Qin Yinong turned around. "!!!"

Three beaming faces on the iPad screen seemed to declare just how thoroughly they had enjoyed the show.

Qin Yinong, always composed in front of others, calmly replied, "Good evening. Are you all on a video call?"

The cheeky monkey Wen Shuxian chirped, "Yep!"

A smile played on Qin Yinong's lips. "What were you all chatting about?"

Wen Shuxian grinned mischievously. "We were saying you are the dominant top."

Tang Ruoyao bolted upright, her face burning crimson, and promptly ended the video call.

Then she buried herself under the covers, too embarrassed to face anyone.

Qin Yinong slipped under the blankets with practiced ease, facing the "Tang-ostrich." "I'm not even embarrassed, so why are you?"

Tang Ruoyao grumbled, "Of course you're not embarrassed! You're the one who kissed me until I couldn't breathe and left me whimpering." Her phone on the nightstand vibrated twice. Burying her face in the pillow, she mumbled, "They must be making fun of me in the group chat."

Although Tang Ruoyao didn't care about who was the top or bottom, being rendered utterly helpless in front of her roommates was just too humiliating! But the thought of "getting back" at Qin Yinong in front of them was equally unappealing.

No one was allowed to see her Qin Yinong like that!

If Qin Yinong had known they were on a video call, she would never have kissed her—Qin Yinong was even more possessive than she was.

What could she do? She could only sulk for a while. Soon enough, she'd get over it.

Qin Yinong emerged from under the covers, took Tang Ruoyao's phone, and saw the dorm group chat flooded with her roommates' teasing.

Wen Shuxian: [Tang Ruoyao, I misjudged you! I thought you were a fierce top, but you turned out to be a soft bottom!]

Cui Jiaran: [Tang Ruoyao, I misjudged you! I thought you were a fierce top, but you turned out to be a soft bottom!]

Even the fair and upright Fu Yujun had gone mad and joined the chorus: [Tang Ruoyao, I misjudged you! I thought you were a fierce top, but you turned out to be a soft bottom!]

Qin Yinong narrowed her eyes, tapped a few times on Tang Ruoyao's phone, then picked up her own.

The three members of Room 405 widened their eyes as they watched a system message pop up in the dorm group: [Tang Ruoyao invited ilovetry to join the group chat.]

"ilovetry" was Qin Yinong's WeChat nickname, which meant "I love Tang Ruoyao."

Qin Yinong: [I'm the soft bottom.]

Author's Note: 

The three from Room 405: Let's just pretend we believe that, okay?

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