1979: My fiancée is a goddess

Chapter 369: Young spirit, picking up the brush again

"Tick-tock-"

As the night deepened, the rain gradually subsided, with only one drop of rain falling from the eaves every few seconds.

The deep courtyard seems even more quiet.

The room was brightly lit and the temperature was comfortable.

There was steam coming out of the iron kettle on the small stove beside the table. The little black cat on the sofa was curled up in the quilt and fell asleep, purring softly.

"The construction is basically completed, and it still needs to be reviewed in its entirety, but I can't write the main text for the time being..."

Cheng Kaiyan put down his pen and let out a long sigh. He looked at the four or five sheets of manuscript paper in his hand, his face thoughtful.

Constructing an outline is not that difficult, but writing the main text is much more complicated. It is necessary to describe the plot while fully reflecting the story background of the Republic of China era, making the historical materials detailed and striving for authenticity.

I'm afraid that after the book is published, just modifying the details will be a huge project.

As a young person living in the 1980s, the Republic of China was a rather distant concept, but in fact, it had only been less than forty years.

"I have to go to the library in a few days to look for some information... Oh, right! Isn't the teacher born in the Republic of China? I can ask him for help. With his eyes, it won't be too much of a problem. But I'm afraid that the teacher will be burdened with his old age."

Cheng Kaiyan was thinking about how to solve the problem and what to do next.

At this moment, my stomach, which I hadn't paid attention to for a long time, started to growl.

After more than three hours of concentrating and writing furiously, hunger and dry mouth are inevitable.

"Gulu."

Cheng Kaiyan quickly picked up the teacup on the table and took a sip. After the tea went down her throat, her stomach felt cool and she felt much more energetic.

He took a few cookies and candies from the drawer and ate them, and finally felt better.

After reading the outline in his hand again, he looked at his watch. It was getting late, half past ten.

"It's time to go to bed."

When he separated from Xiaoli a few days ago, Xiaoli asked him to go to bed before 10:30 because he was creating new work during this period.

Since Cheng Kaiyan has agreed, she will not go back on her word.

He stood up, stretched, and moved his body around, then turned around and went out to get some water and wash up.

After washing up, I felt much more relaxed.

"Hmm...comfortable."

Cheng Kaiyan took off her coat, relaxed her body and threw herself on the bed. The mattress was soft and fluffy, and she felt like she was sinking into it.

In winter, whether it is a quilt or a mattress, just take it out and expose it to the sun for a day. When you come back it will be fluffy and soft, with a scent of the sun, and it will be very comfortable to sleep on.

A familiar scent slowly wafts over my body.

The aroma is very familiar, a mature honey scent.

It smells like orchid and musk, cool and fragrant, like the scent of ripe flowers in winter.

Just by sniffing it, you can feel a refreshing feeling.

"The body fragrance of my aunt... huh..."

Cheng Kaiyan lay on the bed, sniffing the fragrance around her, and an inexplicable emotion flashed through her heart.

He was now sleeping in the place where his aunt had slept. Smelling the lingering body fragrance of his aunt, Cheng Kaiyan had the illusion that he was being held in his aunt's arms.

Take a deep breath, take a deep breath.

Cheng Kaiyan closed her eyes and gradually fell asleep.

At night, he had a dream.

But when I woke up in the morning, I could no longer remember it. There was only a faint fragrance lingering in my nose.

It makes people feel entangled and inseparable.

The next day, the sound of clear and loud birdsong came from outside the window.

It looks like the rain has stopped.

Cheng Kaiyan opened her eyes and looked out the window sideways.

Outside the window, when the spring rain stops, a glimmer of sunlight can be vaguely seen behind the light grey clouds.

The sycamore tree was sprouting new branches, and a few birds with steel-blue, scissor-shaped tails were pecking at the tree and flying around.

This is a house martin. As winter turns to spring, it likes to build nests under the eaves.

As the old saying goes, if there are swallows building nests under the eaves, the family will be harmonious and happy, and it is also a good sign for having children.

In North China, there is a custom of hanging red cloth on bird's nests. Newborns will be blessed by tying red cloth on the bird's nests.

"It's a good sign."

Cheng Kaiyan woke up early in the morning in a good mood.

After all, the outline of the first volume was roughly completed last night. Before starting to write the main text, Cheng Kaiyan's task was much easier. Of course, the outline still needs to be revised repeatedly.

Get dressed and get up.

Cheng Kaiyan still wore the military coat and opened the doors and windows for ventilation.

He took a broom and swept the house from top to bottom.

If he had not been so diligent before, he would have waited for his mother to clean.

But now the house has changed a lot.

The floor is clean and tidy, without a trace of dust.

The desk surface was wiped clean and shiny, and the books and manuscripts that were originally piled up randomly on the desk were now neatly placed in the book stands and sorted into different categories.

The manuscript papers that were originally thrown away randomly were stapled together one by one according to which work they belonged to, and marked with the name of the work and arranged.

The small bookshelf next to the desk also looked brand new, with the old and damp books wiped off the dust and exposed to the sun.

Even the wardrobe was tidied up and the bed smelled delicious.

Naturally, these things were sorted out quietly by my aunt when she lived in his room.

I really don’t know whether my aunt thinks he didn’t clean up cleanly enough or if she herself has obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Or maybe my aunt felt that since she was staying in his room, she should naturally clean it when she left.

She basically cleaned the whole room from top to bottom, inside and out.

Cheng Kaiyan did not feel offended, nor did she feel like she couldn't find anything.

It seemed that this cold woman knew his living habits very well. She even noticed that he was used to taking candies from the drawer on his left when he was not writing or studying.

"You are really observant..."

Cheng Kaiyan's heart felt hot, as if she had eaten hot honey.

Who doesn’t want the house to be cleaned tidy by family members before going on a long trip?
This also indirectly reflects that my aunt lived in the house for many days.

While cleaning, Cheng Kaiyan was thinking about something.

After packing up, he went out to wash up.

Today is February 17th, and the day after tomorrow is the Lantern Festival.

He planned to take a rest in the next two days, and go to the library of Beijing Normal University to look for information about the Republic of China, and then go to his teacher to ask about the details of that era.

On the 19th, the Lantern Festival, I naturally went to the temple fair with my partner.

During this period of time, I have been perfecting the outline of the first volume of "Atonement", but sometimes you can't write anything just by working hard. The long-term solution is to have a balance between relaxation and tension.

Cheng Kaiyan is determined to polish and slowly build up this work, and will not just finish it like his previous works.

By the well.

"Susu..."

Cheng Kaiyan held the plastic handle of the toothbrush and planned while brushing her teeth.

"You got up so early today?"

The door of the house next door opened, and a graceful young woman came out carrying a small bucket. It was naturally Zhan Wenlei.

"Early to bed, early to rise."

Cheng Kaiyan nodded and asked, "Sister Wenlei, did Aunt Wang tell you whether we will have a holiday for the Lantern Festival?"

"What's wrong? I miss your Xiaoli after just a few days of not seeing her?"

Zhan Wenlei was immediately amused when she heard this and joked, "My mom hasn't told me yet. After all, it depends on the teaching schedule. But this semester is about the first dance position for the freshman year, so my mom will definitely hurry up. You'd better not hold out any hope. I'll ask for you later."

"Chief Dancer, OK."

Cheng Kaiyan didn't complain. After all, the position of principal dancer was very important to Sister Xiaoli. After what happened last time, he had been feeling a little guilty.

Now he is very supportive of his girlfriend's career development. He doesn't want this lovely girl to have to choose between dancing and him because of him.

"When you go to the temple fair, you can take Xinyu and Runsheng with you. These two little guys have nothing to do at home, so you can let them accompany you." Zhan Wenlei's eyes turned and she suggested calmly.

"..."

Cheng Kaiyan was speechless. It turned out that this woman wanted him to take care of the child.

That damn girl Zhan Xinyu didn't get any red envelopes during the Chinese New Year, so she would come over from time to time and mention something intentionally or unintentionally during this period of time, which made him feel helpless and amused.

Runsheng is Wen Lei’s son Xu Runsheng. A year has passed and he is now able to walk and talk to people.

Recently, these two children have been making a lot of noise at home and are not at all peaceful. They keep asking to watch TV all day long.

If you take them out to see a temple fair, it will definitely be very noisy.

"Let's talk about it then."

Cheng Kaiyan laughed it off, trying to get away with it.

"Okay then, I'll talk to Xinyu later."

Zhan Wenlei didn't want to let him go, so she turned back to the house and verbally wanted to finalize the matter.

"..."

Cheng Kaiyan was speechless, but she thought of Sister Wen Lei and her husband Xu Dongshan, who had been very busy recently. The capital was changing with each passing day, and many construction sites had been opened.

In addition to their daily work, the two also do odd jobs at some nearby construction sites.

I think I want to take two days off during the Lantern Festival.

Xu Dongshan has a kind and honest character, but he also has a strong side. After all, he and his wife and their family live in his father-in-law's house.

Although they had enough food and drink, it was inevitable that the family would feel cramped living together and there would be some quarrels.

They are also saving money to move out like this.

As the saying goes, things smell good from a distance but stink up close.

Even if a daughter is the most beloved, if she stays at home all year round, she will live at home with her husband and son.

No matter how much your parents love you, they will have some complaints.

Thinking of this, Cheng Kaiyan couldn't help but sigh. He raised his head, rinsed his mouth, and spit the toothpaste foam into the gutter with a "pu" sound.

"Kaiyan, go and cook the rice."

Mother got up.

Since she recently had a new daughter, Cheng Kaiyan's unique status in the family has declined.

Thinking of this, Cheng Kaiyan sighed again. Her situation wasn't much better!

"I'll make some soup for lunch, you can give it to Xiaoli. The child is still too thin."

Xu Yuxiu gave a faint instruction and turned back to her room.

Cheng Kaiyan: “…”

"You think she's thin, but I think she's gained weight! Xiaoli is a dancer, so she has to strictly control her weight."

"That's it."

Xu Yuxiu was not a rigid person, so she didn't say anything about being fat or thin. After all, studies were more important.

Cheng Kaiyan thought to himself that it was fortunate that his mother had received higher education and was open-minded and gentle. Plus with the example of Aunt Wang next door, Sister Xiaoli would have fewer doubts and misunderstandings in the future.

Xu Yuxiu waved her hand, urging him to wash the rice and cut the vegetables.

Cheng Kaiyan followed suit and turned to go into the house.

About a quarter of an hour later, Zhan Wenlei came back.

Zhan Wenlei: "Kaiyan, my mom said Xiaoli and the others won't have a day off during the Lantern Festival."

"alright."

Cheng Kaiyan nodded and continued cutting vegetables.

After a while, he found that Sister Wen Lei was still standing at the door, with hesitation and confusion on her face.

"What's wrong, Sister Wen Lei? Is there anything else?"

There must be something wrong, Cheng Kaiyan understood and spoke.

Zhan Wenlei bit her lip and hesitated for a moment.

She asked in a complicated tone: "Kaiyan, do you think I will be a dance studio manager at Beijing Dance Academy for the rest of my life?"

"I don't think you can be the role for your whole life, maybe ten years at most. I think Aunt Wang and Uncle Zhan just wanted you to have a transition at first."

Cheng Kaiyan's tone was very affirmative.

After all, within ten years, the pain of economic reform will gradually become apparent and will accompany the young people of their generation for half their lives.

By then, not only state-owned enterprises, factories, public institutions and schools will have a hard time.

People like dance studio managers will be eliminated sooner or later. Although Aunt Wang is here, it is not a long-term solution after all.

"really……"

After hearing this, Zhan Wenlei believed most of it.

Among the young people she knew, Cheng Kaiyan, the boy next door, was undoubtedly one of the most cultured and far-sighted.

On the surface, Zhan Wenlei didn't say anything, but in her heart she actually always admired and appreciated her younger brother.

Zhan Wenlei thought for a long time and asked, "Sister, what if I pick up the paintbrush again?"

"art?"

Cheng Kaiyan looked up in surprise, only to see that the young woman in front of her looked nervous, expectant and worried.

It seems that Sister Wen Lei still can't let go and is unwilling to give up...

"I support you, Sister Wenlei. You used to be an art genius. It's just that you haven't touched a paintbrush for ten years. That's nothing. The reason why talent is called talent is because it will not lose that unique sensitivity as time goes by."

Cheng Kaiyan knew that she came to ask him just to let him hit her hard so that she would make up her mind. He smiled gently and said:
"Sister Wenlei, do you know that when I was a child, I often saw you painting under the porch with an easel. At that time, I thought you were very good and your oil paintings were very beautiful."

"I support you. I will give you a set of painting supplies in a few days. I hope you can get a glimpse of art."

"Pfft..."

Zhan Wenlei was deeply moved when she heard Cheng Kaiyan's sincere words and praise. You know, she had mentioned it vaguely at home.

But the mother criticized him verbally, while the father remained silent. The husband's words implied that he should pick up painting. But what about his job and the children?
But she really didn't want to accept it. She didn't want to let her life pass by like this. She didn't want to be huddled in a small office next to the stairs in the dance building of Beijing Dance Academy.

It was dark, damp and cold, and even the windows were very small.

Now hearing Cheng Kaiyan's strong agreement, this tough young woman who had to endure bullying at home, take care of children, and work hard outside finally couldn't hold it in anymore and burst into tears.

Hot tears fell silently.

"Thank you, thank you for your kindness."

Zhan Wenlei said while choking up.

Cheng Kaiyan took out a clean white handkerchief embroidered with flowers from her pocket and handed it over. "Art is actually very similar to literature. The more insightful a person is, the more amazing works they will create."

"call……"

The woman took it and wiped her eyes. After a while, she calmed down and said, "Okay, I'll go back first. You... don't waste money. I'll ask my dad for the painting supplies."

Cheng Kaiyan nodded, patiently comforting and encouraging. "I also hope that Sister Wen Lei can be as youthful and energetic as she was in her teenage years, and give full play to her talents.

"I often hear people say that ambition is something that cannot be regenerated. Sister Wenlei, you were originally going to be admitted to the Central Academy of Fine Arts at the age of sixteen to showcase your talent, but an order came and you had to go to the countryside. Bad experiences will wipe out a person's ambition."

"But once you get it back, your spirit will be even stronger and your determination will be even stronger. I hope you can stand up again after the loss."

"Thank you. I also hope that you will never lose your youthful spirit and always be calm, free and easy, proud and clear-minded!"

Zhan Wenlei felt warm in her heart. She nodded heavily, then turned and left.

"Hey...wait! Please give me back my handkerchief. Xiaoli put it here with me on purpose. If she asks about it..."

"Goodness~, I'll wash it and return it to you! You henpecked bastard!"

"I'm not, don't talk nonsense."

Standing in the kitchen, Cheng Kaiyan silently recited her blessings in her heart as she watched the young woman's graceful back turn and leave, her aura suddenly becoming firm.

"I really hope that I can always be young and full of vigor as she said..."

……

After breakfast, my mother went to the market to buy vegetables and pork shanks.

Cheng Kaiyan returned to her room and read until nine o'clock.

A man in his thirties wearing a military coat suddenly came into the yard.

"Is Teacher Cheng Kaiyan here? I'm Liang Xiaosheng from the Beijing Film Studio!"

(End of this chapter)