1979: My fiancée is a goddess

Chapter 466 Liu Xiaoli's Changes and Little Schemes, Cheng Kaiyan Joins the China Writers Association
the next morning.

In the warm morning light of late May, Cheng Kaiyan rode her bicycle to take Xiaoli to school.

A girl with her hair in a bun, wearing a white dress and light-colored canvas shoes, stood at the entrance of the teaching building, holding her schoolbag.

The soft blue and white skirt fluttered in the cool breeze, swaying around the girl's slender and strong legs, making her figure appear exceptionally elegant and graceful.

"You ruined all the vegetables from last night. When you go back later, buy some vegetables, tomatoes, eggs, and some cabbage..."

Liu Xiaoli frowned, pondering which vegetables to buy, and gave instructions to Cheng Kaiyan, who was yawning and riding on her bicycle with one leg on the ground.

"Hmm."

Cheng Kaiyan nodded casually, her face showing a hint of sleepiness, her mind focused on observing her.

Liu Xiaoli's once delicate and innocent features now possess a more charming and mature allure.

Her complexion also improved significantly; her skin became fair and rosy, clean and radiant.

Her face and skin were flawless, and even the tiny scars and calluses from dance practice on her hands and feet were gone.

She seemed to have undergone a complete transformation, her entire body radiating a delicate, pearly glow, even her hair was exceptionally black and smooth, with a glossy sheen.

Cheng Kaiyan felt that she liked it no matter how she looked at it, and she could never get tired of looking at it.

These changes were naturally discovered by Cheng Kaiyan last night when, because someone was so stubborn and refused to beg for mercy, he had no choice but to savor them inch by inch.

Cheng Kaiyan was both pleased with these changes and curious.

Although it is said that women do experience these subtle changes and become more charming and beautiful after being in love and satisfied.

But it shouldn't have come to this.

In some cultivation novels, there are changes after consuming certain elixirs or miraculous medicines.

A miracle cure?

Thinking of this, Cheng Kaiyan's expression became somewhat strange.

After much thought, the only explanation is his uniqueness, given his unusual background.

Moreover, I had experienced similar changes before, and Grandpa Yi at the alley entrance even called it a second puberty.

After thinking it over carefully, Cheng Kaiyan felt relieved, since it was a good thing.

"Did you remember? Oh, and remember to buy a few pounds of pork ribs and yams. I'll make you some soup when I get back."

Liu Xiaoli's cheeks flushed slightly under his gaze, and she raised an eyebrow.

"I've got it. Xiaoli, have you noticed any subtle changes in you lately?"

Cheng Kaiyan didn't ask her why she suddenly thought of making soup, but continued her train of thought and asked curiously.

"Hmm... well, I've made a discovery."

Liu Xiaoli awkwardly smoothed her hair behind her ear and whispered.

I am naturally aware of the changes in my own body.

She discovered she had become more beautiful and her skin was better while taking a shower one day.

During this time at school, my friends and classmates have been saying the same thing, even spouting nonsense like "so tender you could squeeze water out of her."

After thinking it over, she felt that these changes must have occurred after celebrating Cheng Kaiyan's birthday that day.

I suppose it's because of that.

Suddenly, the extremely embarrassing scenes from last night flashed through her mind. Liu Xiaoli blushed, glared at Cheng Kaiyan, and pursed her lips, remaining silent.

"Okay, okay, I won't ask anymore."

Upon seeing this, Cheng Kaiyan raised her hands in surrender.

"Go back now, and don't forget to buy the groceries."

"You're smart enough to know your place," Liu Xiaoli snorted, waved her hand without a trace, and turned back to the classroom.

Cheng Kaiyan also rode away on her bicycle, first going to the market to buy groceries.

While buying pork ribs and yams, I suddenly understood why Sister Xiaoli suddenly wanted to make soup for herself.

It turns out she wanted to nourish her body.

Although Xiaoli, who has been practicing dance for many years, cannot match his physical strength, she is still very energetic.

Add to that her flexibility and strong personality, and Cheng Kaiyan really had to put in a lot of effort to subdue her yesterday.

"This girl... is not to be underestimated."

Cheng Kaiyan chuckled, feeling a warm glow in her heart, and left the market carrying her bags.

I went back to the courtyard house on the way.

I divided up some vegetables and fruits and put them in the kitchen.

After returning home, Cheng Kaiyan continued to sit at her desk and bury herself in writing.

Time flies and it's noon.

Cheng Kaiyan was too lazy to cook, so she simply rode her bike out and planned to go to her teacher's house for a free meal.

"Hey! You really are lucky to have arrived at the right time. I just bought a big fish today, and that's when you came."

As soon as I entered, the old man sitting in the sunlight reading a book chuckled and scolded me.

"I didn't have lunch."

Cheng Kaiyan pushed the cart into the yard and said with a smile.

"Xiaoli's going to school, so you're not going to cook at home? You're so lazy!"

Aunt Yao Cheng was cleaning fish by the well. She was a middle-aged woman with rich life experience, and she knew exactly what was going on at a glance.

"..."

Cheng Kaiyan had nothing to say.

"It's perfect that you're here. Let's play some chess to pass the time."

The old man gave a greeting, then got up and went back into the house to bring out the chess set.

An old man and a young man played chess and chatted idly at the same time.

What have you been doing at home lately?

The old man launched into the conversation with a casual question.

"Every day I pick up and drop off Xiaoli from school, buy groceries, cook, hang and collect laundry, clean the house... The rest of the time I spend at home writing articles, ugh..."

As Cheng Kaiyan spoke, she gasped, suddenly realizing that she seemed to have taken on almost all the housework.

Meanwhile, someone else simply goes to and from school every day, comes home to cook dinner, cleans, and does laundry, and that's it.

And we have a washing machine at home! Doing laundry is so easy.

Furthermore, during this period, Comrade Xiaoli would often praise herself, reward herself, and spout some profound truths...

You, Liu Xiaoli, with your delicate eyebrows and big eyes!
So you're actually playing dirty tricks, huh?

Cheng Kaiyan was heartbroken. Where had that incredibly innocent girl gone, the one who washed his clothes in the dead of winter?

“Great job, Kaiyan. These days, it’s so rare to see a man like you who knows how to do housework. Aren’t they all just big shots?”

Oh my! Xiaoli is such a lucky girl, unlike me, I have to take care of everyone, young and old.

Aunt Yao Cheng looked up in surprise, deeply moved.

She knew the young couple's situation very well. Xiaoli went to and from school every day, and the housework was done by Cheng Kaiyan, who stayed at home.
"Where."

Cheng Kaiyan smiled modestly. He didn't feel it was unfair. Just like Sister Xiaoli said, it's about supporting and understanding each other.

As long as she's home on weekends, Xiaoli takes care of everything at home.

"Tsk tsk..."

The old man clicked his tongue in amazement a couple of times, then, feeling that this topic couldn't be discussed any further, he changed the subject, asking, "When will the manuscript be finished? Bring it over and I'll take a look and revise it for you."

"It'll be soon, around June, but I need to revise it myself before I show it to you."

Cheng Kaiyan explained.

"June... that's pretty fast. I thought it would be in the second half of the year."

The old man nodded thoughtfully, then suddenly asked, "By the way, are you free this afternoon?"

"What is it?"

"Didn't I tell you before that you should join the Writers' Association? You weren't home before, so you should do it as soon as possible."

"After all, it's the National Writers Association, and the number of new members each year is limited. Many writers are eyeing it, but with your achievements and reputation, getting in is practically guaranteed."

"Okay, I'll go take a look this afternoon."

Upon hearing this, Cheng Kaiyan nodded in agreement.

"Then you go by yourself, I won't go with you."

The old man gave some instructions and then continued playing chess.

Lunch was served at 11:30 a.m.

The three of them sat down to eat, and the main dish for lunch was a pot of steamed sea bass.

The fish is tender and has no fishy smell, and it has very few bones, so even the elderly can eat it.

Cheng Kaiyan ate with great relish, finishing two bowls of rice.

Seeing how much he enjoyed his meal, the old man's appetite was whetted, and he ate an extra half bowl of rice. "Dad, eat less! Your stomach can't digest it! You're ninety years old, why are you eating so much!"

Aunt Yao Cheng immediately glared at him, "Cheng Kaiyan! Why are you eating so heartily?"

The old man and Cheng Kaiyan exchanged a glance, then remained silent, enduring the beatings and scoldings.

After finishing the meal, I said goodbye.

Cheng Kaiyan rode her bicycle back to the courtyard house, went to the Zhan family's house next door to play for a while, and after she had digested her food, she went back to take a nap.

At 2 p.m., the sun gradually began to set in the west.

The rooster in the yard crowed loudly.

"Clatter, crash, crash!"

After waking up, Cheng Kaiyan went to the kitchen, scooped up some cold water from the water tank, and washed her face.

The cold water splashed on his face, and a refreshing and invigorating feeling washed over him, instantly waking him up.

After washing my face, I left a note for my mother and then rode my bike out.

This was Cheng Kaiyan's first time visiting the China Writers Association.

But even from hearsay, I still know where it is.

It's not far from Xiaowei Hutong, just on Wusi Street, next to the Peking University Red Building, at No. 2 Shatan North Street.

The Wenyi Bao (Literary Gazette) newspaper office was also there, right next to the China Writers Association, working in the same courtyard.

Cheng Kaiyan leisurely rode her bicycle onto the street, bought a bottle of soda at a store to quench her thirst, and arrived at her destination in less than ten minutes.

Cheng Kaiyan stood outside and looked out. In front of her was a large courtyard with several solemn brick and stone buildings.

However, the Wenyi Bao (Literary Gazette) and the China Writers Association do not operate in these buildings.

Instead, it was in those rows of simple prefabricated houses in the courtyard, with white signs with black lettering for the two organizations hanging outside the houses.

The literary newspaper office was a detached, simple two-story building, and the iron ladder leading to the second floor was suspended on one of the exterior walls.

Just looking at it, it seemed rudimentary. Just then, someone came down from up there, and the ladder creaked loudly as they stepped on it.

The China Writers Association, on the other hand, consists of several small bungalows side by side.

He had previously heard from Mr. Zhang Guangnian of People's Literature Publishing House that the office conditions here were quite poor, consisting of a row of small bungalows.

But Cheng Kaiyan never expected it to be this bad.

Why is that?

Because the China Writers Association has not yet been officially reinstated.

We'll have to wait another two years.

Standing at the entrance of the courtyard, Cheng Kaiyan watched for a while before stepping forward.

There was a small building at the entrance, which was obviously the gatekeeper's office.

"Hello comrade, what can I do for you?"

The gatekeeper was a young man who had seen many artists and cultural workers here. As soon as he saw Cheng Kaiyan, a fair-skinned and elegant young man, walking over, he knew that Cheng Kaiyan was most likely an artist or cultural worker.

"Comrade, I came here at the invitation of Mr. Ba Jin."

Cheng Kaiyan got straight to the point.

"Invited by Mr. Ba? And who are you, comrade?"

The young security guard used polite language and asked curiously.

"I am Cheng Kaiyan, an ordinary writer."

Cheng Kaiyan introduced herself.

"Cheng Kaiyan... that name sounds familiar. Mr. Ba isn't here, but Teacher Zhang from the Secretariat happens to be on duty today, so I'll take you there."

The security guard stared at Cheng Kaiyan for a couple of seconds, then thought he looked familiar but couldn't quite place him. He then gave Cheng Kaiyan a pen and paper to sign before leading him inside.

The two walked one after the other to the front of the bungalow. The gatekeeper knocked on the door and called out, "Teacher Zhang, a comrade named Cheng Kaiyan says he has come at the invitation of Mr. Ba. Would you like to see him?"

"Cheng Kaiyan?! She's here!"

A sound came from inside.

Cheng Kaiyan thought the name sounded familiar. "Teacher Zhang, could it be Mr. Zhang Guangnian?"

"How do you know?"

Before leaving, the gatekeeper asked in surprise.

"Ha ha.

Cheng Kaiyan smiled without saying a word, her gaze falling on the elderly man who opened the door behind him. "Good afternoon, Teacher Zhang."

"Haha, good afternoon, good afternoon, come in, come in."

Zhang Guangnian laughed heartily and pulled Cheng Kaiyan into the house.

The two sat on the sofa, drinking tea and chatting.
"You've finally arrived, kid. I've been waiting for you for half a month. How's life after the engagement going?"

"Very happy and fulfilled."

Cheng Kaiyan smiled naturally as he thought of his wife.

"You kid..."

Zhang Guangnian chuckled and scolded, then said, "You're here today to join the Writers' Association, right?"

"Hmm, if I hadn't gone to my teacher's house today, I would have completely forgotten."

"Tsk tsk, the land of gentle pleasures is a hero's grave! Let's hope it doesn't wear down our great talent's literary genius!"

Zhang Guangnian joked, got up and took out a membership application form and a file from the drawer, and handed over the file bag, "Fill these out. You came at an inopportune time. Old Ba is in a meeting. Let's keep the membership ceremony simple."

"Keep everything simple, that's the best way!"

Cheng Kaiyan was quite satisfied with the process of filling out a form and signing it. "At five o'clock, I still have to go to the Beijing Dance Academy to pick up my wife."

"Tsk tsk, he's got a wife now, he's not like before, always staying at home all day long."

Zhang Guangnian clicked his tongue in amazement, marveling that there really is one thing that can subdue another. Only Comrade Liu Xiaoli, a woman he had been betrothed to since childhood, could tame someone like Cheng Kaiyan.

Cheng Kaiyan sat and filled out the form, and the two chatted casually.

The conversation turned to recent national events, including the horrific murder at a certain mining area and the establishment of the China Children and Teenagers' Foundation at the end of last month, among other things.

"By the way, have you heard of the Children's Literature Research Association?"

On June 1st, their first anniversary, they said they would hold a cultural performance and, incidentally, a leadership reshuffle.

As Zhang Guangnian was speaking, he suddenly asked, "Last week, Chen Zijun, the president of the Children's Literature Research Association, sent me an invitation and asked about you."

"Teacher Chen Zijun?"

Cheng Kaiyan had heard a little about it; he had looked at this teacher's work when he was writing "Three Major Themes in Children's Literature".

This is a leading theorist in the field of Chinese children's literature, and one of the founders of contemporary Chinese children's literature theory research.

He is the author of "Children's Literature Advances Through Exploration" and "On Children's Literature", and the chief editor of "A History of Contemporary Chinese Children's Literature", "Exploration of Children's Literature", "Dictionary of Children's Literature", and "Selected Essays on Children's Literature".

Of course, the title of founder has not yet been finalized, and some of his works are still incomplete.

But the fact that this teacher can serve as president is enough to demonstrate his influence.

"We'll see when the time comes. But why did Teacher Chen ask me what I wanted to do?"

Cheng Kaiyan asked curiously, then put down her pen and handed over the completed document.

"I'm not sure about that, but you're a master of children's literature, so maybe I can invite you to meet me and lend your support."

Zhang Guangnian joked.

"It's fine to support the event and watch the performance, just don't ask me to go on stage and speak."

Cheng Kaiyan shrugged; he didn't have time to get involved in these things.

"Boom!"

Mr. Zhang Guangnian smiled without saying a word, but he felt it wouldn't be that simple. He picked up the seal and stamped the documents.

He was the deputy leader and the first secretary of the Secretariat. He was in charge of all the specific affairs of the China Writers Association and held absolute power.

Buffett is a spiritual leader, regardless of specific matters.

After processing the membership application, Zhang Guangnian said he would take Cheng Kaiyan for a walk around the area.

Then the two of them wandered around these small bungalows and even went to the literary newspaper office. In conclusion, there was nothing worth visiting.

The working conditions here are terrible.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Beijing.

Chinese Society for the Study of Children's Literature

A group of people are having a meeting in the conference room.

"President Chen, something's not right with the list of candidates, is it? Why did you add this young man's name?!"

"Since when did a young man in his twenties become qualified to serve as vice president?"

A middle-aged man slammed his fist on the table with a hostile expression and demanded an explanation.

(End of this chapter)