1979: My fiancée is a goddess

July 4th, 3:30 PM.

The afternoon sun gradually slanted westward, but the scorching sun still kept the streets deserted.

Only occasionally do you see two or three children running by, laughing and playing with rolling hoops, or a vendor pushing a bicycle with a large wooden box tied to the back, selling popsicles as he goes from street to street, calling out his wares.

"Popsicles! Popsicles! Red bean popsicles are three cents, cream ice cream is five cents!"

The clear, resonant voice traveled far and wide from the rusty iron loudspeaker, along the alleyways.

A six-story white-painted building in the shape of the Chinese character "回" sits quietly in the swaying, green shadows of the trees, like a big white dog dozing under a tree.

In a large office on the third floor, which had been approved by the department leaders as the exclusive office for the "Ark" journal.

The office was clean and tidy, and very quiet.

The glass window, backed by the afternoon sun, was somewhat shady under the trees.

Cheng Kaiyan stood in front of her desk, surrounded by the members of the "Ark" magazine. A huge A1 drawing was laid out on the desk, attracting everyone's attention.

There were several carefully drawn layout designs in pencil.

Everyone's attention was first drawn to the first picture, because it was in color and drawn with colored pencils.

The painting depicts a dreamy, azure ocean, with countless pale waves churning up amidst howling winds and rain.

One of the massive waves lifted a large wooden sailing ship high into the sea, causing it to tilt and even risk capsizing.

On the deck, which was neither too big nor too small, stood a group of panicked little animals, including cats, dogs, piglets, rabbits, and many other kinds of animals.

At the very front of the herd of animals stood two children, each about seven or eight years old, standing taller than the other. The girl held binoculars, and the boy held the helm.

Fortunately, a seven-colored, semi-transparent halo enveloped the wooden boat, protecting it.

Above the halo, two characters written in calligraphy were clearly visible: "Ark".

Such exquisite and detailed colored pencil drawings appear before you, and a vivid and lifelike sense of realism washes over you.

With just one glance, everyone seemed to smell the dampness and saltiness of the sea.

"What a beautiful cover! I bet our magazine cover is the best-looking and most exquisite of all the magazines on the market right now!"

Wearing glasses, Comrade Fang Yuan, whose small, round face was sweating, couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"Yes! My family subscribes to quite a few children's literature magazines. Their covers are already considered pretty, but compared to ours, they are still much rougher."

Comrade Li Xiaoqing, with her long hair and fair skin, nodded in deep agreement.

These days, most publications on the market rarely put much effort into cover and layout design.

The covers are mostly extremely simple, with the journal title in calligraphic style at the top and the sponsoring organization at the bottom, such as XX University or XX Publishing House.

There may be simple line drawings or iconic symbols in the middle, such as an integral sign or triangle drawn in a mathematics journal, or a pen drawn on it in a literature journal, but there are never any complicated pictures or photographs.

Of course, publications like "Children's Literature," which focus on teenagers and children, will put some effort into the cover design, as children are visual creatures, and each issue will have a different illustration.

However, none of them could compare to the exquisite and beautiful colored pencil drawing that Cheng Kaiyan had specially commissioned Zhan Wenlei to create this time, which cost a "high price".

The "high price" doesn't refer to money, but rather to asking Cheng Kaiyan to help buy some rare paints and painting supplies from a foreign exchange store.

Speaking of which, this year's college entrance examination has ended, and Sister Wenlei has fulfilled her long-cherished wish of more than ten years by participating in the college entrance examination and the painting examination of the Central Academy of Fine Arts.

She said she estimated she should be able to pass, and that she might go to the Central Academy of Fine Arts to continue studying oil painting this summer.

"As long as everyone thinks it looks good, that's fine. Some people might wonder why a magazine cover needs to be so meticulously designed, but I want to tell everyone that people are visual creatures."

The same magazine on the bookshelf, if it's attractive, can catch the reader's eye and draw more attention to it, which is very helpful for a newly launched magazine.

Cheng Kaiyan's gaze swept over the more than twenty colleagues in the office, and she gave them a heartfelt reminder.

It's clear that, aside from some women and young people, there are still some who don't quite understand or accept that an academic journal is using such fancy paintings.

"So that's how it is. The editor-in-chief has really put in a lot of effort for our 'Ark' magazine."

"We understand, editor-in-chief, we'll do it your way."

"We have no objections, as long as our 'Ark' can be born smoothly."

Upon hearing this, everyone agreed that it made sense, and regardless of whether they understood or not, they all expressed their support.

For a new publication to attract subscribers and achieve a good circulation, it has to do every detail right.

"I hope everyone can understand. Not only is the cover designed, but the content pages inside also have many small details and designs."

For example, on each sheet of paper, besides the text, there are simple line drawings of small animals, leaves, and wind at the top and bottom, which makes use of the blank space and enhances the reading experience...

In addition, I've made some adjustments to the wording; what you see is no longer text crammed together like ants, but rather a more comfortable reading experience..."

Seeing this, Cheng Kaiyan nodded in satisfaction, and then pointed out the clever ideas and designs on the design drawings to explain them to everyone.

After speaking for more than ten minutes, I finally finished explaining the layout design.

"If everyone has no problems, we'll finalize it and then contact the printing factory to customize the template."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Cheng Kaiyan made the decision immediately. The process of publishing a magazine was indeed complicated and tedious, but as long as it was carried out in an orderly manner, it could be done quickly.

He then looked at Fang Yuan: "Fang Yuan, go to the State Press and Publication Administration later and find out if our CN number (domestic unified serial publication number) has been approved and when it will be issued."

"Yes, Editor-in-Chief! I guarantee I'll complete the task."

Fang Yuan gave a lively and playful salute, her big eyes behind her square-framed glasses full of smiles.

She didn't have many specific tasks at the company.

However, he was often ordered around by Cheng Kaiyan to do things like pouring tea and running errands.

If it were a young person who had just started working, they might feel that this was deliberately making them feel ordered around and causing them trouble.

However, Fang Yuan felt that Cheng Kaiyan probably wanted to groom him as a trusted subordinate.

In a newly formed team, those who serve the top leader are undoubtedly his cronies.
I really did benefit from the influence of the senior student from Beijing Normal University.

Fang Yuan was overjoyed, while Li Xiaoqing, standing to the side, was envious.

"Alright everyone, get back to what you were doing. Send a few people to contact the printing factory, and the same goes for the distribution bureau..."

Cheng Kaiyan gave the work instructions, wiped her sweaty forehead, took a breath, and said, "By the way, Fang Yuan, you and Li Xiaoqing go downstairs to find the popsicle vendor. Each person in the office should buy two popsicles; it's on me."

"Okay!"

Fang Yuan's eyes immediately lit up with happiness, and she exclaimed in surprise.

"Great!"

"The editor-in-chief is truly impressive! No wonder he's a great writer!"

"Hehehe! Yuanyuan! I want to eat cream flavor..."

Some of the women came over to try and get closer to Fang Yuan.

"From now on, if the editor-in-chief tells us to go east, we'll never go west. Editor-in-chief, will we still have a chance to eat here in the future?" one comrade lamented.

"As long as everyone works together and makes our journal successful, what does this popsicle matter!"

Cheng Kaiyan waved her hand with a light laugh, not caring about such a small amount of money.

The white hem of her dress fluttered gently under the ceiling fan overhead, exuding a sense of serene elegance and effortless grace.

Wow! The editor-in-chief is so impressive!

"As expected of a true Beijinger! They're so generous and straightforward in their dealings!"

The people in the office cheered excitedly, and the sweltering heat seemed to dissipate.

The news reached several nearby offices, drawing curious glances from many who were wondering what had happened.

Fang Yuan and Li Xiaoqing carried a basket downstairs to find someone selling popsicles.

In less than fifteen minutes, the two returned carrying a basket full of popsicles.

Along the way, they encountered leaders from the ministry who curiously asked, "Hey comrade, where did these popsicles come from? Are they for sale?"

Both of them stood tall and proud, smiling with a smug look on their faces, saying, "This is what our chief programmer, Cheng Kaiyan, treated everyone in the company to."

As they went upstairs, passing by rows of offices with their doors open for ventilation, they attracted the attention of many cadres who craned their necks to look. Upon learning that their chief programmer was treating them, they all swallowed hard with envy and began whispering amongst themselves:
"Free popsicles are awesome!"

"Great writers are really rich! This big basket must be worth at least three or four dollars!"

"Why doesn't our boss have the ability to treat us to popsicles!"

"Director Tang, we also want some popsicles, it's unbearably hot! Look how generous Cheng Kaiyan, the editor-in-chief of 'Ark' next door, is..."

A young comrade with a powerful background mustered up his courage and asked Tang Minghua, who was standing by the window enjoying the breeze.

"That brat!"

Tang Minghua's pretty face darkened, and she cursed Cheng Kaiyan in her heart, but she could only smile helplessly and say, "You young comrades are just greedy! Two of you go down and buy some, one for each person in the office, that's all."

"Yes! Director!"

The young man immediately nodded with a grin and ran out impatiently.

In no time, several office leaders sent people to buy it.

"I forgot to tell you guys to keep a low profile!"

When Cheng Kaiyan heard the news, she was sitting in her seat, drinking iced soda and eating popsicles, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"Yes, yes, I'll definitely do it next time."
Comrade Fang Yuan nodded solemnly and asked in a flattering tone, "Do you think this soda is delicious? I bought it especially for you!"

"Okay, okay..."

Cheng Kaiyan waved her hand speechlessly. This young comrade is cunning. He seems to be very ambitious and eager to make progress.

He now understood why leaders were so comfortable; no matter how much their subordinates cursed them in their hearts, they still had to treat them like royalty on the surface.

"Please feel free to ask if you need anything, Editor-in-Chief."

Fang Yuan smiled sheepishly and turned back.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, Cheng Kaiyan clapped her hands and announced, "Everyone can go home now."

Everyone smiled with relief as they looked at Cheng Kaiyan, who was sitting and packing her things.

Over the course of three or four days, Cheng Kaiyan observed them, and they also observed him as their leader.

Although the time was short, some clues could be gleaned from the close contact.

Everyone felt that this young leader was kind and generous, efficient and capable, and professional and meticulous.

Today we got free popsicles, and we got off work earlier than other departments.

Unbeknownst to them, a long-lost sense of belonging began to stir in everyone's hearts.

"I'll leave first."

Cheng Kaiyan had no idea what they were thinking. She casually gave them a brief reply and turned to leave without looking back.

I am not active after get off work and have brain problems.

Once this period is over and Ark is on the right track, he, as the editor-in-chief, will definitely become a hands-off manager!
They pushed all the work onto the deputy editor-in-chief, Chen Zijun.

With this in mind, Cheng Kaiyan went downstairs, rode her bicycle, and headed north towards Beiwu.

Today, July 4th, is a special day.

The reason is that today is Xiaoli's last day of school, and she can start summer vacation tomorrow.

Summer is graduation season, and the Beijing Dance Academy held a grand graduation ball today to bid farewell to its graduating seniors as they leave campus and travel to all corners of the world.

Xiaoli, as the principal dancer of the freshman class, also has a classical dance performance to give today.

Unfortunately, Cheng Kaiyan has been busy founding a publication lately and hasn't had time to see her dance performance.

However, he can wait until Sister Xiaoli comes back and then dance just for him alone.

As for whether he might lose a few clothes while dancing, or be carried to bed while dancing, he didn't know.

"hey-hey……"

Cheng Kaiyan sped along the street on her bicycle, a wicked smile creeping onto her lips as the hot wind blew past.

When Cheng Kaiyan arrived at the gate of Beijing Dance Academy, she raised her hand to check the time: 5:30.

Groups of young, beautiful, and graceful dance students came and went, while many young men from other schools waited at the entrance, drooling with desire.

The security situation has been quite bad lately, and universities have tightened their regulations. The Beijing Dance Academy has also added access control, requiring identification documents for entry and exit.

Cheng Kaiyan picks him up and drops him off every morning and evening, and since his face is impossible to hide, he has long been familiar with the security guard.

The security guard didn't even bother to check his ID and just let him in.

The group of long-haired, unsophisticated young men squatting at the door were indignant and went forward to argue, only to be kicked away.

The Beijing Dance Academy wasn't large, and Cheng Kaiyan quickly found the auditorium and entered.

The audience seats were packed with hundreds of people.

The performance is still going on stage; this event will probably continue into the evening.

Cheng Kaiyan searched through the crowd and soon spotted a gentle and beautiful girl waving at her from the fourth row by the window. A tender and graceful smile bloomed on her fair and beautiful oval face.

Cheng Kaiyan jogged over, attracting quite a few glances.

"Xiaoli, are you done dancing?"

Since there were no seats available, he stood next to Liu Xiaoli and asked with a smile.

"You finished dancing a long time ago, Kaiyan, you're too late."

Liu Xiaoli rolled her eyes at him, then reached out and pulled him to sit next to her, squeezing in to sit down.

As Cheng Kaiyan sat down, she noticed the girl's body was damp, and her usual light and elegant fragrance had become much stronger. She asked with concern, "It's so hot, how can you sit still? Your clothes must be soaked with sweat. Why don't you buy some iced drinks and popsicles?"

"You know I'm hot, but you don't know to go buy some now, you idiot!"

Liu Xiaoli was indeed hot. She had just danced a classical dance and was now sitting close to Cheng Kaiyan, so she snorted in annoyance.

"Okay, okay, I'll go buy it."

Cheng Kaiyan had just sat down when she stood up again, but the girl stopped her.

Just kidding, hehe.

Liu Xiaoli smiled, her round almond-shaped eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint.

Cheng Kaiyan was speechless. Why did this girl seem to have started to enjoy teasing people too?

Who taught them to be bad?
Cheng Kaiyan was wondering who had the audacity to corrupt his young wife.

Liu Xiaoli took out a handkerchief from her pocket and gently wiped Cheng Kaiyan's sweat, scolding, "You came all this way, your hair is all wet with sweat, and you're still criticizing me."

"..."

Cheng Kaiyan smiled gently, looking tenderly at the patient and gentle girl in front of her, listening to her soft murmurs.

At that moment, I felt that everything was worth it.

The performance ended at six o'clock, and it is said that there will be a ballroom dance party in the evening.

However, Cheng Kaiyan and Liu Xiaoli did not plan to continue, as they were both exhausted from the day.

So he had dinner with several of Xiaoli's classmates and friends, such as Lin Xingjie, Qin Yin, and He Manman.

The two went back to school and packed up Liu Xiaoli's things.

To Cheng Kaiyan's surprise, although this girl was a day student, she actually had quite a lot of luggage, all of which was neatly and orderly arranged in the lockers and wardrobes.

For example, textbooks, exercise books, first-aid kits for sprains and bruises, clothes, dance shoes, etc.

The sky was dark, and fiery clouds lit up the horizon.

On the bustling street, Cheng Kaiyan carried Liu Xiaoli, weaving through the crowd like a fluttering butterfly.

It was the last evening before summer vacation, and the two were filled with unprecedented joy and anticipation. (End of Chapter)