1979: My fiancée is a goddess

These days, Cheng Kaiyan has been buried in her books, focusing intently on completing the remaining parts of the story.

Occasionally, I would get distracted, thinking about the eye contact I had with my aunt that afternoon, how long she had been spying on me, and how familiar that feeling of being watched was...

Fortunately, her aunt remained calm and indifferent afterward, just like usual, so Cheng Kaiyan didn't have any deep doubts or curiosity.

He picks Xiaoli up from school every day, and occasionally stays with both his mother and aunt for short periods.

The days passed by slowly like this.

Before we knew it, it was May 30th.

Eleven o'clock at night.

The night outside the window was as still as water, while the lights inside the room shone like candlelight.

At his desk, the young man bent over his pen, writing the final paragraph of the book.

Taiwan many years later.

Cao Hanyu, formerly known as the Second Miss, is now over seventy years old and has become an internationally renowned female writer.

In a television interview for her new film, *Atonement*, she finally revealed the truth:

“I didn’t have the courage to look for my sister that year. I wasn’t even in Nanjing at the time, and this incident never happened…”

"When the Zhonghua Gate was breached on December 12, 1937, Jiang Mingzheng ran out of ammunition and food, and died in bayonet fighting under the bayonets of the Japanese invaders..."

And I didn't even have a chance to confess to my sister. On the same day, the medical building of Nanjing Central Hospital was bombed by aircraft, and she died too..."

“My sister and Mingzheng were never together. They longed to be together, and they should have been together... One lived outside the city, and the other inside, separated only by a wall, but they never saw each other again in this life.”

"Even now... I still feel that I was the one who broke them up... So, I want to give them back the happiness they missed, in the novel."

“This is not weakness, nor is it escapism... This is a belated act of mercy, a belated act of atonement. I have returned happiness to them.”

(End of the book)

After writing the last three words, Cheng Kaiyan finally snapped out of her state of complete concentration and single-minded focus.

The sensations in my body reconnected: my stiff neck, my throbbing head, my eyes sore and dry from staring for so long, and the two white marks left on my fingers from holding the pen...

I feel quite unwell.

"Um--"

Cheng Kaiyan moved her wrists and used her forearms and upper arms to relieve the soreness in her muscles, while also twisting her neck.

Finally, he stretched out a long yawn, letting out a tired groan and the cracking of his bones.

"Whoosh..."

After stretching, he leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.

My breathing and heartbeat gradually became even and I calmed down.

Tonight, inspiration flowed like a fountain, and Cheng Kaiyan simply couldn't stop writing.

Cheng Kaiyan didn't let this good state of mind go to waste. She had been writing her manuscript since 5 p.m. until now, at 11 p.m.

More than three months later, this work, based on the story of that elder of the Jiang family and grounded in "Atonement," has finally been completed.

Next, you can make the changes gradually.

The tension that had been building up inside Cheng Kaiyan finally eased.

He opened his eyes and looked out the stained glass window.

In the stillness of the night, the moon hangs high, and the sky has an indescribable brightness.

The sound of rushing lake water came from afar, and a cool, moist evening breeze caressed Cheng Kaiyan's flushed face.

"Perhaps some unseen force is also anticipating the moment the book is completed, prompting the work to be finished as soon as possible."

Cheng Kaiyan rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the night view outside the window, when a thought inexplicably flashed through her mind.

Seemingly finding it somewhat unbelievable, he chuckled softly.

He stood up and turned to face the door.

His gaze swept over the girl lying on the bed, her eyes already closed, sleeping peacefully and sweetly. Her delicate, fair face was turned towards the desk, as if in her last moments before falling asleep, she was quietly watching him write at the desk.

"The wind picked up at night, and I didn't even cover myself properly with the blanket..."

Cheng Kaiyan bent down and touched the girl's exposed arm. It was icy cold to the touch. She quickly tucked the blanket around her and placed it under her shoulder.

Finally, he gently kissed her fair and delicate forehead.

Perhaps the contact was too sudden, her lips tickled slightly, and Xiaoli raised the back of her hand to rub her forehead, then slowly woke up.

Upon seeing Cheng Kaiyan, Liu Xiaoli stared blankly at the person in front of her, her voice soft and delicate as if she were fast asleep: "Kaiyan? Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Go wash your face, you'll be right there."

Looking at the somewhat dazed girl, Cheng Kaiyan felt a surge of tenderness. She touched the girl's smooth and delicate face and then turned to go to the bathroom.

Soon, he came back.

Close the door, turn off the lights, and let the moonlight shine in through the window, falling onto the sheets.

He took off his outer garment, walked past the girl bathed in the silvery moonlight, lay down behind her, and held her petite and slender body in his arms.

"Hoo... Go to sleep."

Cheng Kaiyan let out a long sigh of relief and whispered in Liu Xiaoli's ear.

"Ah."

Liu Xiaoli snuggled closer to him, her expression one of contentment and relief.

Nothing was said that night, and I slept peacefully.

On the desk beside him, a beige manuscript paper, pressed under a fountain pen, was illuminated by the shimmering moonlight.

Suddenly, a breeze swept in from outside the window, blowing the paper and causing the pen to roll off the paper.

"Wow..."

The paper covered in blue writing fluttered in the wind, making a rustling sound.

Ultimately, it stopped at the page that simply read, "Dear Yharnam, our fate is not yet over."

……

When I woke up the next day, it was already seven o'clock in the morning.

Liu Xiaoli got up early, her fair little feet stepping on the cold floor as she walked to the wardrobe to choose what to wear during the day.

While picking out clothes, she didn't forget to turn around and warn Cheng Kaiyan: "Close your eyes, I'm going to change."

"Okay, I know, I definitely won't look."

Cheng Kaiyan didn't say anything about being an old married couple.

In his view, even married couples should maintain a proper degree of privacy and mystery.

If people are truly shameless and open with each other all the time, then as time goes by, their interest in each other will only fade.

Moreover, Cheng Kaiyan quite liked Xiaoli, who was easily embarrassed, and found it particularly enjoyable to tease her.

"You definitely won't watch it?!"

Upon hearing this answer, Liu Xiaoli seemed somewhat dissatisfied and let out a hum.

I'm just not satisfied.

"..."

Cheng Kaiyan could tell too; this girl really was...

If I look at you, you're unhappy; if I don't peek at you, you're still unhappy.

So, should I watch it or not?
Faced with a difficult decision, Cheng Kaiyan decided to cover her eyes, peeking through a crack in her fingers at Xiaoli, who was facing away from her and slowly taking off her nightgown.

Ah!
She stood tall and graceful, with a slender, fair back and well-defined shoulder blades that were as firm and beautiful as butterfly wings.

Below that is her slender, graceful waist, and her firm, soft, white buttocks...

Cheng Kaiyan turned over and lay flat on the bed, refusing to look anymore.

If I keep looking, I might act impulsively.

But why do my eyelids feel heavy and my head feels dizzy?

The blood and qi are rushing downwards, right?
"Yes, I can't stay up late anymore," Cheng Kaiyan sighed.

"It's good that you know. If you don't go to bed until 11 or 12 every day, how can your body take it in the long run?"

Liu Xiaoli said with a rather helpless tone, glanced back and saw that he really closed his eyes obediently, so she felt relieved and stood by the wardrobe to change her clothes.

"Don't worry, I finished writing it last night."

Cheng Kaiyan yawned lazily.

"Finished writing? That's good. Get up now, it's Monday, have you forgotten you promised your aunt you'd go to work at school?"

Liu Xiaoli changed her clothes, turned around, and nudged his shoulder.

"My aunt doesn't have class today, so it's okay to go later. Besides, we're going to the Children's Literature Research Association to watch a performance later."

Cheng Kaiyan said this, but still sat up.

Today is June 1st, Children's Day. The Children's Literature Research Association is holding a cultural performance, and there will also be an election meeting this afternoon.

Cheng Kaiyan plans to go with her aunt.

"Unfortunately, I have class today, so I can't go with you."

Liu Xiaoli felt a little regretful, but then smiled and said, "But I hope that when I come back this afternoon, Comrade Xiao Cheng, you will already be President Xiao Cheng!"

"Then I'll lend you some good advice."

Cheng Kaiyan chuckled. The title of Chairman Cheng was indeed impressive, especially coming from Sister Xiaoli. "Hehe."

The girl smiled confidently, feeling that with her son Cheng's abilities, he would definitely succeed!
They got up, dressed, and brushed their teeth and washed their faces together at a sink large enough for both of them to wash at the same time.

We haven't been getting up early to make breakfast lately because our home is too far from school, so we just eat out in the mornings.

Happy Children's Day, Xiaoli.

Just before leaving, Cheng Kaiyan suddenly leaned close to Liu Xiaoli's ear and teased her with a smile.

"..."

Liu Xiaoli rolled her eyes at him helplessly, "You're such a grown man, and you're still celebrating Children's Day?"

"Haha, what's wrong with being a child? We're still six years and a hundred months old."

Cheng Kaiyan burst into laughter and pulled the girl downstairs.

"Virtue!"

Liu Xiaoli spat lightly, but a happy smile appeared on her face.

She felt happy every day with such a man by her side.

After leaving the house, I rode my bike around the streets, had breakfast, and then safely delivered Liu Xiaoli to school.

Cheng Kaiyan then turned and headed towards Beijing Normal University.

As he entered the school, several students greeted him.

"Oh! It's Teacher Cheng! You've finally come to class!"

"Long time no see, Teacher Cheng!"

"Who is that? Why is he so popular?"

A freshman asked a senior student out of curiosity.

"Professor Cheng Kaiyan?! You freshmen don't see her often, so it's not surprising that you don't recognize her."

The senior student explained with a smile.

Happy Children's Day everyone.

Cheng Kaiyan smiled and wished everyone a happy holiday.

It was just something that sounded very novel to them. They were all adults, why would they celebrate Children's Day?
I drove to the office building, parked the car, went upstairs, and arrived at the office I hadn't been to for almost half a year.

Cheng Kaiyan stood at the door, feeling a mix of trepidation and a sense of returning home.

"Why are you standing at the door?"

A familiar, indifferent, and faint voice came from behind.

Turning around, I saw it was indeed my aunt.

“Happy Children’s Day.”

Cheng Kaiyan took out the steamed buns she had bought on the street from her pocket and handed them over with a smile.

"Yes, you too, Happy Children's Day."

Jiang Ting was charmed by his cheerful smile, and a faint smile bloomed on her cold face as she teased, "A steamed bun as a Children's Day gift?"

"These are delicious, big meat buns. Auntie, just ask around, which kid doesn't like them?"

Cheng Kaiyan waved the steamed buns in front of the beautiful woman, giving off a somewhat cynical vibe.

"You think you're right? Come in."

Jiang Ting gave him a nonchalant glance, opened the door, and went inside.

The two sat down on the sofa by the window.

Cheng Kaiyan was drinking tea, while Jiang Ting was eating steaming hot buns. She ate with elegance and naturalness, unhurriedly, and would occasionally twist her waist to feed Cheng Kaiyan one.

After breakfast, Jiang Ting asked Cheng Kaiyan to help her grade some homework while she dealt with work documents.

At 8:15, the two went out.

Cheng Kaiyan rode her bicycle with Jiang Ting on the back towards the Children's Literature Research Association.

It's a bit far, located on Chaoyang Neibei Street in Dongcheng District. Because it's a subordinate unit of the Ministry of Culture, their offices are located together.

It takes about half an hour to get there.

What comes into view is a six-story building, which is called the Ministry of Culture Building.

Several cars and a number of bicycles were parked in the open space in front of the gate.

Moreover, there were armed guards strictly protecting the area.

I was able to enter smoothly with the invitation, and the performance was held in the auditorium.

As I walked to the door, I saw several familiar faces.

"Ah Ting? What brings you here?"

She was a beautiful woman, Aunt Tang Minghua, dressed in a Zhongshan suit, with a dignified and elegant demeanor.

"I came with Xiaoyan."

Jiang Ting was not surprised to see her here.

"Cheng Kaiyan? That makes sense, after all, she's a well-known scholar in children's literature. Let's go in quickly, the performance is about to start, we can talk later."

Tang Minghua glanced at Cheng Kaiyan, her tone indifferent.

He's engaged; Jiajia should give up now.

After a brief chat, Cheng Kaiyan and Jiang Ting went inside.

The auditorium was dimly lit, except for the brightly lit stage at the front.

The audience seats in all three directions were not full; two or three hundred people filled the first few rows, while the back rows were almost empty.

"Let's sit a little further back."

Cheng Kaiyan glanced around and pulled her aunt to find a seat in the middle towards the back.

It was probably in the sixth row, a quiet spot where you could see the performance on stage clearly.

The performance hadn't started yet, and the auditorium was somewhat lively, but not noisy; it was clearly filled with prominent figures from all walks of life.

When Cheng Kaiyan came, she specially bought some food and drinks and chatted with her aunt to pass the time.

After a while, more people came in one after another.

They were none other than some leaders from the Ministry of Culture and members of the Children's Literature Research Association.

"Congratulations to Chairman Chen on his promotion to Deputy Secretary-General of the Secretariat of the National Committee for Children's Culture and Art, which is much more powerful than the president of the Children's Literature Research Association."

Moreover, we're both employed by the Ministry of Culture, so we'll be proper colleagues from now on.

A middle-aged female leader from the Ministry of Culture said with a smile.

"Haha, it's all thanks to the leaders' kindness. I never expected it. It's just a small contribution to the country."

Chen Zijun laughed heartily.

The National Children's Culture and Art Committee mentioned by the female leader was established on May 25th of this year, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture and jointly by eight ministries.

The aim is to strengthen the leadership and management of children's culture and arts, encompassing various fields such as literature, art, animation, and film.

The news of the establishment and appointments came down in just a few days.

"President Chen, I heard that the Children's Literature Research Association is holding a public election this afternoon?"

The person who said this was Tang Minghua.

"That's right. At that time, we will elect a new vice president, secretary-general, and deputy secretary-general, among other important positions."

Chen Zijun explained.

"Hehe, Director Tang, you don't know this!"
In order to better develop our research, our association's president, Chen, specially selected a highly renowned comrade from outside the association to be among the candidates for this election.

Wearing a white shirt, Hu Jianwen, whose large belly made his belt bulge, glanced at Cheng Kaiyan not far away and said to Tang Minghua with a forced smile.

"is it?"

Tang Minghua glanced at the fat man and knew that he was the nephew of a leader in the department.

"Of course! What's most surprising about this comrade is his age. Can you guess how old he is?"

Hu Jianwen said with a mysterious expression.

"How many?"

"twenty one years old."

"So young?"

Tang Minghua was also somewhat surprised. A 21-year-old young man participating in the election for vice president of a national-level social organization with nothing to his name would probably find it difficult to convince the public.

"Really that young?"

The other leaders nearby also heard this and couldn't help but look at Chen Zijun.

"That's right, at first everyone thought it was someone's relative."

Hu Jianwen started applying eye drops.

"Ahem... Yes, there is such a thing, but that comrade is capable and has a good reputation."

Chen Zijun coughed lightly, her expression somewhat unpleasant, and said.

"Oh? There are such outstanding young people? Why don't you call them over so we can meet them?"

Someone suggested. (End of Chapter)