1979: My fiancée is a goddess

Early summer has arrived.

The streets were deserted in the afternoon, so quiet they seemed lifeless, and the scorching sun made the dusty cement pavement scorching hot.

Occasionally, a gust of wind sweeps across the street, stirring up swaying green shadows.

The sound of the wind and the rising chirping of cicadas seeped through the screen windows of the small building facing the street, filling the entire office.

Holding the development report that had just been distributed to everyone this morning, Hu Jianwen stood in front of his desk, reporting excitedly and enthusiastically to his supervisor:
"Uncle, the development report of the society has been submitted in the past few days. The first plan is to establish our society's own academic journal."

If the higher-ups approve, they'll allocate 60,000 yuan for the journal's publication! 60,000 yuan! I think we absolutely must take this on; we can't let that old bastard Chen Zijun get it."

"What do you mean 'we'!"

Hu Fanzhou frowned and glanced coldly at his nephew, his expression unfriendly.

"Yes, yes, yes! These are all my ideas."

Hu Jianwen gritted his teeth, somewhat annoyed, but on the surface he just gave a sheepish smile.

This old guy has taken plenty of benefits in the past, but he's always trying to distance himself from it. There's no such thing as a free lunch.
But he understood that embezzlement was punishable by death, and the two of them could not both be involved at the same time; one of them had to survive, or the whole family would be doomed.

"Hehe, he's the president, of course he has the power to take the lead, you can't get rid of him."

Hu Fanzhou's expression improved, and he chuckled, "However, Chen Zijun is only passable when it comes to academics, but he's far from being a good official. There are many intricacies involved, so don't even think about it this time, lest you give yourself away."

You also have to be involved in setting up this journal, and you have to do it flawlessly.

"……I see."

Hu Jianwen had already planned how to use this 60,000 yuan.

If he were to handle the matter, he could easily pocket several thousand or even tens of thousands of yuan from that sum.

Hearing his uncle say this, he was naturally very reluctant, but he had no choice but to put it aside for the time being.

"Good, you understand. You must be careful in your actions. By the way, did Cheng Kaiyan come to the school to pick a fight with you or go to the leaders to complain?"

Hu Fanzhou nodded, gave a word of advice, and then suddenly thought of Cheng Kaiyan.

Their election of vice president this time had no problems in terms of procedures and the reasons were also valid.

But this young man is quite famous and influential; he might know some high-ranking official, or he might be unable to swallow his anger and file a complaint.

If the higher-ups really do investigate this election thoroughly, there's unlikely to be any major problems, but there's a good chance you'll be severely reprimanded and leave a bad impression on the leaders.

"Tch! That kid is all show and no substance. I thought he'd come and argue with me, but I haven't seen him for two weeks. He probably doesn't even dare to fart. He's such a coward."

A hint of disdain flashed in Hu Jianwen's eyes. He chuckled and waved his hand casually: "If you're really worried, I'll buy some gifts and go to his door to apologize and warn him. These writers are the most timid; a little scare will do the trick."

"Don't be too busy."

Hu Fanzhou frowned, gave a warning, and then noticed his nephew's arrogant and disdainful expression. He curled his lip and sneered, "You think he's cowardly? Little do you know that a great writer like him is extremely noble."

They might not even think much of this vice president position. In other people's eyes, arguing with someone like you is like a beautiful jade hitting a stone—a losing proposition.

"A beautiful jade hitting a stone?"

Hu Jianwen thought it made some sense, but he was a little annoyed. Why was he a stone while Cheng Kaiyan was a beautiful jade?

Damn it, so what if she's taller, thinner, better looking, has a better temperament, and is more talented...?

Upon closer reflection, Hu Jianwen suddenly realized that the kid did indeed have some tricks up his sleeve.

So he shut his mouth in a huff.

"Alright, alright, calm down for a bit. Have a cup of tea to quench your thirst. It's been hot lately, so don't come here so often."

Hu Fanzhou got up and led Hu Jianwen to sit down on the sofa. He picked up a fine purple clay teapot and poured two cups of tea.

The two raised their cups to sip tea, admiring the green shadows swaying in the breeze outside the window, quietly enjoying the tranquil atmosphere.

After a while.

"Boom boom boom——"

A crisp knock came from outside the office door.

Hu Fanzhou frowned. Why did someone have to arrive at this exact moment?
Hu Jianwen was also wondering if Cheng Kaiyan had come to settle scores.

"Please come in!"

Hu Fanzhou looked up and shouted in a deep voice, his cloudy but bright eyes staring at the door.

With a click, the door opened.

A voluptuous, beautiful, and tall figure appeared before me, wearing a white fitted women's blouse, a black pleated skirt that draped down to her straight calves, and a pair of strappy sandals.

He quickly recognized her as Tang Minghua, the deputy director of the Bureau of Cultural Relations with Foreign Countries.

This person has a powerful background and a very influential position. Moreover, he will be taking over as the top leader at the end of the year, making him one of the highest-ranking people in the Ministry of Culture.

He was simply incomparable to a mid-level leader in the personnel department.

Hu Fanzhou glanced back, his eyes showing displeasure.

"call……"

At this moment, Hu Jianwen had already unbuttoned the collar of his shirt and was staring blankly.

This man couldn't help but secretly admire her; what an elegant and dignified beautiful woman.

Although not as stunningly beautiful as the one I saw next to Cheng Kaiyan last time, she was still a very beautiful woman.

"Director Tang? What brings you here?"

Hu Fanzhou stood up with a smile and warmly went to greet him.

"Director Hu, you are a veteran of the ministry, I cannot accept your respectful address."

Tang Minghua wore light makeup, which made her look even more radiant and dignified. Two dimples bloomed on her cheeks, and her smile was gentle and beautiful, giving people a formal feeling.

The beautiful woman walked up to him and got straight to the point: "Director Hu, Minister Lin needs to speak with you."

"Minister Lin? Director Tang, could you reveal a little something?"

Hu Fanzhou already had some doubts and unease in his heart.

"You'll see when you get there."

The beautiful woman smiled faintly and offered no explanation.

At this moment, her eyes darted around, glancing at Hu Jianwen standing to the side. She noticed the greed and burning desire well-concealed on his face, and a deep coldness flashed in her beautiful eyes as she said indifferently, "It just so happens that Comrade Hu from the Academy is here too. Let's all be witnesses together!"

"What?! Be a witness?!"

Hu Jianwen exclaimed in unease. The word "witness" immediately made him think of something, and his expression changed. He quickly turned to look at Hu Fanzhou.

Hu Fanzhou remained calm and said in a deep voice, "Then let's go take a look."

"I still need to go see Chairman Chen, you can go by yourselves."

Tang Minghua was indifferent. She tossed out a sentence without expression and turned away cleanly.

"Crack!"

The sound of the door locking was particularly jarring in the quiet office.

The uncle and nephew from the Hu family appeared somewhat silent at this moment, both frowning and deep in thought.

"They're definitely here because of Cheng Kaiyan's matter, Uncle, what should we do?!"

Hu Jianwen was losing his composure. The thought of facing Minister Lin's interrogation made his legs go weak. This was a vice minister, and a single word from him could ruin his entire family.

"What's the panic! You're useless!"

Hu Fanzhou frowned and said in a deep voice, "We followed the normal procedures for the election, and the results were discussed and decided by the comrades in the Personnel Department. What problems could there be? At most, we'll be scolded for not being flexible."

“That’s true.” Hu Jianwen breathed a long sigh of relief. “Even if Cheng Kaiyan can find connections, I don’t believe Minister Lin would break the rules for him.”

"Let's go see what's going on."

Hu Fanzhou led the way, while Hu Jianwen, feeling uneasy, gritted his teeth and followed.

The corridor was nearly deserted in the afternoon, and soon we arrived at Minister Lin's office.

"Dong dong..."

"Come in."

He knocked on the door, and soon a voice that revealed no emotion came from inside.

The two turned the handle and entered the house.

A dignified and composed middle-aged man sat behind his desk, holding an enamel mug and drinking tea.

Hu Fanzhou walked up respectfully and whispered, "Minister Lin."

Minister Lin raised his long, slender eyebrows, stared at him with sharp eyes for a moment, and then casually asked, "Comrade Hu Fanzhou, what do you think of this young comrade Cheng Kaiyan?"

"I have long heard of Comrade Cheng Kaiyan's great name. He is a great talent and writer in Beijing and even the whole country, and he has also made great achievements in the theoretical research of children's literature."

Hu Fanzhou carefully considered the wording and tried to provide an objective evaluation.

"Is that so? Such an outstanding young talent, who won first place, why did they cross out your name, Hu Fanzhou? And give the vice president position to your nephew instead?"

Minister Lin's tone was completely flat, yet it felt like a mountain pressing down on you, making it hard to breathe.

"Minister Lin, it's really not what you think."

Comrade Cheng Kaiyan was not a member of the association at first; it was Chairman Chen who made an exception and added him to the candidate list.

Secondly, he was too young to command respect, and his family background was also problematic; his father's side was from a wealthy peasant family, and his mother had been the daughter of a capitalist...

Therefore, after repeated discussions and difficult choices, our comrades in the Personnel Department finally had no choice but to select Comrade Hu Jianwen.

Thirdly, we also considered Comrade Cheng Kaiyan's abilities and excellence. Appointing him as deputy secretary-general will allow him to achieve some results in a year or two, ensuring his position as vice president is secure.

Hu Fanzhou couldn't stop sighing, his face full of grievance and helplessness. He patiently explained the whole story, "We've tried to persuade Cheng Kaiyan to take the position of deputy secretary-general many times, but she refuses. Sigh... After all, she became famous at a young age, and she's young and impetuous, unable to bear the slightest grievance."

"Yes, yes, he even said he didn't like it."

Hu Jianwen nodded vigorously and interjected.

So you're saying your situation is understandable?

Minister Lin's usually calm face broke into a soft laugh.

Hu Jianwen was overjoyed at the sight, but Hu Fanzhou shook his head and said, "It's not exactly excusable, it's just following the rules and regulations."

"Alright, enough of this nonsense. You two know the real reason. Maybe you could have fooled me before. But now..."

Minister Lin glanced at the two of them and ordered impatiently, "You two will go and apologize to Comrade Cheng Kaiyan later. If you don't get his forgiveness, don't bother coming back."

"what?"

The Hu family uncle and nephew both looked astonished. If they can't get forgiveness, they don't need to come back.

Why would Minister Lin issue such a forceful order for Cheng Kaiyan?

What do you mean by "you could get away with it before, but you can't now"?

Could it be?

"Minister Lin, I really don't understand. I don't think our personnel department handled it in any way."

Hu Fanzhou took a deep breath and mustered his courage to ask.

"Then I'll let you die knowing why."

Minister Lin snorted coldly, picked up a newspaper in English, and threw it over. "Take a look! This is the reason!"

"call……"

The two men, puzzled, picked up the newspaper and took a deep breath.

They were all highly educated and could understand some simple English.

It was quickly discovered that this was a copy of the *New York Daily*. Scrolling down, the headline on the front page clearly read: "Cheng Kaiyan, a writer and literary theorist from Red China, has overturned the myth of the purity of children's literature with his paper! His work has garnered a staggering 150,000 copies sold in just one week..."

"How...how is this possible! Cheng Kaiyan caused such a commotion in America? That's America! How could he possibly..."

Upon seeing the headline, both of them were stunned, their faces filled with shock and disbelief, their mouths agape.

A tidal wave surged within them, its turbulent waves impacting their understanding and worldview.

To say that Cheng Kaiyan is famous in China is nothing special; people have seen plenty of celebrities. But to make such a splash abroad and even appear in the New York Times, one of the most famous newspapers in the United States, whose influence extends globally!
Doesn't this mean they've upgraded again, from being famous nationwide to having some fame worldwide?

Hu Fanzhou and Hu Jianwen exchanged a glance, both seeing the shock and horror in each other's eyes.

Only four words remained in their minds: "It was not our fault in fighting."

It's all because some people are using foreign connections to bolster their own position!
Once you become famous abroad, you'll be an international scholar and a renowned international writer!
Oh shit!

If you're so capable, why didn't you say so earlier?

Who would dare to touch you now?
Hu Fanzhou is a veteran of the Ministry of Culture, and he is well aware that there are no small matters when it comes to foreign affairs.

Moreover, a young writer like Cheng Kaiyan who has made a name for himself abroad will undoubtedly become a living calling card for domestic and international promotion in the future.

The domestic propaganda and cultural departments would definitely treat him like a treasure.

If you suffer injustice and then spread it, especially if it gets out of the country, then you're completely finished.

Regardless of whether they were right or wrong, both of them have to bear full responsibility...

Both Hu Fanzhou and Hu Jianwen realized at this point that the situation was no longer something they could contend with.

The two looked at each other and saw that the other was covered in sweat and looked flustered and nervous.

Hu Fanzhou, in particular, was sweating profusely, and half of his clothes were soaked through.

"Heh, now you're scared?"

Minister Lin's sharp gaze swept over the two of them, and he said expressionlessly, "If this gets out, the reputation of our Ministry of Culture will be tarnished by the two of you!"

Just then, there was a knock on the door, and Tang Minghua walked in with Chairman Chen.

"Forest Department".

After exchanging greetings, Chen Zijun recounted the entire incident, including how the Hu family uncle and nephew shamelessly stole Cheng Kaiyan's vice president position and the association's development plan, and even revealed their suspicions about Hu Jianwen's embezzlement.

Hu Jianwen was immediately made to sit down on the ground. He was already quite frightened, and now Chen Zijun had exposed his embezzlement.

With a few hissing sounds, a foul odor spread through the office, and everyone quickly covered their mouths and dispersed.

After all that fuss, Minister Lin had already sentenced Hu Jianwen to death in his mind, while Hu Fanzhou immediately distanced himself from the matter and nothing happened to him.

After this battle.

One was so scared that he wet his pants.

He was already suspected and was destined to spend the rest of his life in a leisurely retirement department.

Both of them were filled with endless regret.

She regretted provoking that devilish man, whose luck was unbelievable.

"Niang Xipi!"

"Cheng Kaiyan, you son of a bitch! We just wanted you to move over, and you want to kill me!"

Hu Jianwen, slumped on the floor, covered his face and wailed; he already knew he might be shot. (End of Chapter)