1979: My fiancée is a goddess

Zhao Ruixue, Morita Etsuko, and Yamamoto Ritsuto, who was following behind them, walked quickly to the front of the banquet hall.

Several people, dressed in a dignified and distinguished manner, were gathered together, each holding a glass of red wine, chatting and laughing as they discussed something.

Many people around them occasionally focused their attention on them, but they did not disturb them at all.

Clearly, this group of people are all influential figures in the literary and publishing world.

One of them, a slender middle-aged woman wearing a simple white shirt with a white scarf tied around her neck and high heels, caught the attention of Zhao Ruixue and Morita Etsuko.

The two men exchanged a glance and confirmed the woman's identity.

She was none other than the daughter of the great writer Osamu Dazai, a leading figure in feminist literature—

Ms. Yuko Tsushima!

As for the others, the leader is Mr. Yoshida, the editor-in-chief of Kodansha. The others are also heads of magazine publishing houses. Of course, there are also a few literary evergreens who, although not very famous and not as famous as literary icons like Haruki Murakami, still have considerable influence.

"Good evening, Editor-in-Chief Yoshida."

Zhao Ruixue walked gracefully towards them, her posture elegant and beautiful, and she greeted them in a generous and appropriate manner.

Her clear and melodious voice has captivated many.

"Good evening, Ms. Morita, and good evening, Ms. Zhao. Come and get to know each other."

Editor-in-Chief Yoshida's eyes flashed with amazement, and he laughed loudly, "This is Ms. Zhao Ruixue, our Kodansha's recently renowned talented writer. Her work has sold 50,000 copies in less than four months since its publication!"

"So this is Miss Xue. I've long admired your name. Meeting you today, I can confirm that you are indeed a talented woman who is refined, elegant, and aloof."

One of them, a middle-aged man with glasses, messy hair, and stubble, said with a smile.

"Senior Takemoto is too kind. In front of you literary luminaries, I am merely a newcomer and cannot be considered a renowned figure."

Zhao Ruixue's cool and pretty face wore a polite smile, her demeanor was proper and natural, and her gaze swept over.

This man, Kenji Takemoto, is a mystery novelist.

Although not very famous, Zhao Ruixue had read this mystery novel, which is considered a masterpiece by book fans, "The Lost Paradise in the Box" when she was reading classic works.

"Miss Xue is much more modest than I imagined, and even more beautiful. I am the editor-in-chief of XXX magazine. I hope we can collaborate in the future..."

Another short, stout, balding middle-aged man introduced himself.

"Hello……"

Under the guidance of Editor-in-Chief Yoshida, Zhao Ruixue got to know everyone and became a familiar face.

However, the daughter of the great writer was quite indifferent. She simply nodded and sat down to the side, seemingly exhausted.

The others didn't say anything either, continuing the topics they hadn't finished discussing, such as commissioning articles for publication, mutual acquaintances, and gossip.

As a newcomer to the literary world, Zhao Ruixue has achieved decent sales and possesses outstanding looks and temperament, but she is clearly not the center of attention.

She stood aside and listened quietly to the conversation, only speaking up when asked a few questions.

Zhao Ruixue wasn't interested in their long-winded discussions. To be honest, she could have listened patiently if they had talked about their views on literature and creative techniques.

Unfortunately, she was too lazy to stay any longer because of the constant talk of money and fame, and was about to say goodbye and go back to find Cheng Kaiyan.

Yamamoto Tatsuto, who was chatting happily with everyone and getting along very well, seemed to realize that she intended to leave.

With a gentlemanly smile and adoration, he bowed slightly and invited, "With so many literary luminaries here, Miss Ruixue, you wouldn't just leave like this, would you? If you find it too boring, I wonder... if I could invite you for a dance?"

"Yo yo yo~ Mr. Yamamoto! What are you doing...?"

The balding, middle-aged male writer, upon hearing this, exaggeratedly egged him on, his face full of ambiguous and teasing smiles.

He had been wondering how Miss Xue could have been personally invited by Yamamoto Tatsuto. It turns out she's a beautiful and virtuous woman, the object of every gentleman's affections.

Ugh……

He was thinking of inviting such a beautiful and elegant woman after the banquet so that the two of them could discuss literature together...

What a pity, what a pity...

The bald man thought to himself with a touch of regret, but those thoughts were no longer there.

After all, the Yamamoto family is a powerful family in the publishing industry, holding a small number of shares in Kodansha and owning hundreds of family-owned bookstores.

It can be said that controlling the bookstore distribution channels means holding the lifeblood of these writers and magazines in their hands, and they cannot be easily offended.

Others also understand this principle.

Seeing Zhao Ruixue and Yamamoto Riteng, the handsome man and beautiful woman standing opposite each other, they all started laughing and joking:

"Young Master Yamamoto and Miss Yuki look like a perfect couple standing together; it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them a golden couple!"

"Haha, absolutely right!"

"You should know that there is an old saying that talented men should be paired with beautiful women. In my opinion, Mr. Yamamoto and Ms. Yuki are a perfect match!"

"With the son of the Yamamoto Bookstore looking after Miss Xue, her future in literature is limitless. At least she doesn't have to worry about her novels being taken down."

……

The crowd chimed in, clearly regarding Zhao Ruixue and Yamamoto Riteng as a couple.

"You've all misunderstood..."

Zhao Ruixue frowned and retorted.

Morita Etsuko, standing nearby, frowned repeatedly and spoke up to stop them: "Ms. Ruixue and Mr. Yamamoto are just classmates, not lovers. Please don't say such unfounded things and make them feel awkward."

"Hehe, everyone is joking. Yamamoto and Ruixue are just friends at the moment. If I had to say, I would say I'm pursuing Ruixue."

Yamamoto Ritsuto smiled slightly and explained in a way that was a strategic retreat.

He didn't care about their rebuttals, but the environment has a huge impact on people.

If everyone around you says that Yamamoto Ritsuto is your true love, Zhao Ruixue, and a perfect match.

Even if Zhao Ruixue doesn't have those kinds of feelings for him, they will gradually develop some.

After all, who else but himself is more deserving of this snow beauty?

Cheng Kaiyan?
Yamamoto Ritsuto didn't take him seriously. Even if he could be on equal footing with him, what difference would it make if they competed on equal terms?

Could Cheng Kaiyan really stay in Japan forever?

Victory ultimately belonged to him.

After his thoughts had raced through his mind, Yamamoto Tatsuto gracefully bowed, extending his long, large hand to Zhao Ruixue, and tenderly looked at her exquisite face, saying:

"Miss Ruixue, would you be so kind as to grant me this trivial request? It's just a ballroom dance, it doesn't mean anything."

"Look at all these men and women dancing here, are they all lovers?"

Editor-in-Chief Yoshida also smiled and offered his advice.

Zhao Ruixue's connection with the Yamamoto family was actually a good thing for her.

"Actually, dancing is nothing special. It's a very common way to make friends. I remember there are similar social dances in China, right?"

Morita Eshiko was aware of the conservative nature of Chinese women in this regard; Ruixue was probably just not used to it.

Moreover, since the editor-in-chief has already spoken, if Ruixue directly refuses, the editor-in-chief will likely feel uncomfortable.

"This……"

Zhao Ruixue bit her lip, unsure of what to do.

"Miss Ruixue is so shy about dancing, could it be that you have a slight crush on me? If so, I won't force you, Miss Ruixue. It's normal for girls to be shy..."

Yamamoto Tatsuto's lips curled slightly as he spoke calmly.

"Haha, most likely, girls are bound to be shy."

Everyone burst into laughter, looking like seasoned veterans.

"Humph……"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ruixue's eyes turned completely cold; Yamamoto Tatsuto's words were undeniably disgusting.

Regardless of whether Zhao Ruixue accepts his invitation or not, Yamamoto Ritsuto won't lose out...

Editor Morita, standing to the side, also looked rather grim, feeling both annoyed and angry, but with nowhere to vent his frustration.

She simply wanted to help Zhao Ruixue navigate her literary path more smoothly, which is why she brought Zhao Ruixue to meet these literary veterans and build connections.

But she never intended for Zhao Ruixue to suffer any injustice.

Just as the two were in a dilemma, at this moment...

"You guys ganging up on a girl, isn't that disgusting and despicable?"

"If Mr. Yamamoto is truly itching to dance, then I will reluctantly take Ruixue's place and dance with you. Mr. Yamamoto... what do you think?"

A familiar voice came from behind me, extremely cold, as if it had crawled out of an ice cave.

"Kaiyan, what brings you here?"

Zhao Rui turned around, his eyes suddenly lit up, his brows furrowed and relaxed, his delight evident. "Would you like to dance with me?"

The cool breeze from the window brushed against Cheng Kaiyan's face, dispelling the coldness on her face, and she smiled as if the clouds had cleared.

"Okay."

Seeing his smile, Zhao Ruixue felt all her bad mood vanish. She readily agreed, her delicate hand holding her skirt tightening involuntarily.

I'm dancing... but I don't think I'm very good at it...

The girl recalled the scenes of dancing with him, feeling both anticipation and some worry that she wouldn't dance well.

The young couple were talking as if no one else was around.

The people around cast various glances at him, some curious, some surprised, and some amused and schadenfreude.

The young man who suddenly appeared in front of me seems to have a rather unusual relationship with this Miss Xue.

Everyone looked at Yamamoto Ritsuto.

as predicted.

Just moments ago, Yamamoto Tatsuto had exuded elegance, nobility, and gentlemanly charm; now, his face was so dark it was almost dripping with gloom, and his tone of voice had become incredibly low and cold, with a hint of gritted teeth and deliberate, uttered words.

"Hmph... Cheng Kaiyan, right? Don't take my good temper for granted and act recklessly!"

"If it weren't for Ruixue's sake, do you think a nobody like you could really act so arrogantly in front of me? You're really asking for trouble."

Upon hearing this, everyone present realized that this shrewd young master was truly enraged.

"You really think too highly of yourself. Don't you know you're like a leech that keeps sticking to Ruixue?"

Cheng Kaiyan stared at him with indifferent eyes, her tone neither warm nor cold.

"Whoosh..."

Yamamoto Tatsuto almost laughed out of anger. He took several deep breaths to compose himself and then retorted sarcastically:
"A leech? Ha! How much better are you than me? For example, you've been pestering her all this time, and look at this banquet, how did you get in without an invitation?"

"Of course I'm better than you. I have no interest in competing with you for your affections, because it's pointless. Ruixue likes me, not you, and that's the best reason. As for how I got in, that's none of your concern."

As Cheng Kaiyan spoke, she became less angry. It wasn't worth getting angry with this kind of person. After thinking for a moment, she reached out and pulled Qingmei's fair and slender shoulders into her arms.

It feels silky smooth and delicate to the touch, like milk ice cream. The only worry is that it might melt in your hand.

"ah!!"

Zhao Ruixue's heart skipped a beat at Cheng Kaiyan's sudden bold action. She instinctively gasped and quickly covered her mouth with her hand.

"Whoosh..."

Upon seeing this, Yamamoto Ritsuto's eyes suddenly turned red. A surge of suppressed anger, like someone being cuckolded, erupted like a volcano, becoming uncontrollable.

He turned and shouted angrily at the door, "Security! Where are the security guards? Throw this guy who sneaked in out!"

The sudden commotion and shouts immediately drew the security guards stationed outside the banquet hall, who rushed in and asked in a deep voice, "Sir, what happened?"

"A petty thief has sneaked into the banquet. Please kick him out!"

Yamamoto Ritsuto pointed at Cheng Kaiyan with a cold smile.

"You're the thief!! He came in with an invitation!"

Zhao Ruixue glared angrily and shouted coldly.

"This……"

The two security guards were in a dilemma, after all, they were just security guards.

"Well then, young man, show us your invitation. If there's no problem, then we'll leave it at that. If you can't, then we'll have to ask you to rest somewhere else, since you're not on our writers' salon's guest list."

Editor-in-Chief Yoshida's gaze swept over Yamamoto, Tateyu, and Cheng Kaiyan.

Yamamoto has an extraordinary background; his family are shareholders of Kodansha.

The other young man clearly has a close relationship with Zhao Ruixue, the talented newcomer in the company.

As the deputy editor-in-chief of Kodansha, he could only strive to be fair and impartial, not to side with either side, and not to offend either.

As for his earlier suggestion to Zhao Ruixue and Yamamoto Riteng to dance, that shows a complete lack of understanding of the conservative and reserved nature of Chinese girls.

In his mind, there was absolutely no problem with a man and a woman dancing together at a banquet.

"Alright."

Cheng Kaiyan reached into her inner pocket and took out a red invitation card, handing it to Editor-in-Chief Yoshida.

"This...your name isn't on the list, so where did this invitation come from?"

Yoshida took out the list, carefully checked it, and frowned.

"what?!"

Zhao Ruixue and Uesugi Ayana exclaimed in disbelief and turned to look at Cheng Kaiyan.

"This is impossible!"

Cheng Kaiyan frowned, his face darkening. This invitation was obtained for him by Tachibana Chiai; it couldn't possibly be fake!
"You mean, this invitation was forged by him?"

Yamamoto Ritsuto's expression softened slightly, and he sneered.

"That should be right. The style and handwriting are illegible. It's just a pity that his name isn't on the list."

Editor Yoshida sighed a few times, but his eyes quickly turned cold: "Young man, given your relationship with Miss Yuki, you could have simply asked her to get an invitation, so why did you do this?"

"I think there must be some misunderstanding here!"

Cheng Kaiyan explained in a deep voice, "This invitation couldn't possibly be fake."

"Please leave. We don't welcome you, and we certainly don't welcome a Chinese person like you who engages in deception!"

Editor Yoshida pointed to the door and bluntly told them to leave.

"Mr. Cheng Kaiyan, get out of here."

Yamamoto Ritsuto revealed a smug, cold smile.

"Please, sir."

The security guard shouted.

Cheng Kaiyan stood rooted to the spot, as countless gazes filled with inscrutable expressions were cast upon her like knives—disdain, contempt, indifference, and disdain…

Just as he was about to turn and leave, a mature and charming voice came from the doorway.

"Who gave you the audacity to tell my brother to get out?"

With a creak, the door was pushed open with a bang.

A mature, beautiful, elegant young woman with long, wavy hair walked in with her arms crossed.

"you are……"

Editor Yoshida hesitated.

"And where did you come from?! Your brother? So you're in cahoots with him?"

Before Tachibana Chiai could even speak, Yamamoto Tatsuto began to criticize her without any politeness.

"You, slap yourself ten times."

Everyone was shocked to hear the mature woman give orders from above, her tone as if she were dealing with a servant.

There is an innate nobility and commanding air about him, as if no one has ever dared to disobey him.

"Who are you?"

Yamamoto Ritsutō was furious. He hadn't expected that simply driving away one Chinese person would cause so many conflicts and changes...

"...As expected of the eldest daughter of the Ju family, it's been a long time since I last saw you. You are still as dignified and noble as ever!"

After a long silence, Ms. Tsushima Yuko, the daughter of a great writer who had been sitting to the side watching the play, suddenly stood up. She first gave Cheng Kaiyan a deep look before slowly walking towards Tachibana Chiai.

"The Tachibana family? Could it be..."

After her reminder, many people present widened their eyes and their hearts raced.

"The Tachibana family? Could it be that Tachibana family?"

Ayana Uesugi exclaimed in surprise.

"What?! How is that possible?"

Suddenly, Yamamoto Ritsuto's expression changed drastically.

His handsome, fair face turned deathly pale in an instant, completely devoid of color.

How could it be that Tachibana family?
How could Cheng Kaiyan know such an important person? (End of Chapter)